Thursday, May 8, 2025–10:00 a.m.

-WZQZ Radio-

Following a three-hour probable cause hearing in the Chattooga County Courthouse Annex, Magistrate Court Judge Griffin (of Whitfield County) issued an arrest warrant for Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen on one count of simple battery.

The ruling came after testimony was presented by William Wilson, a livestock hauler and resident of Annville, KY, represented by Attorney Catherine Bernard of Atlanta. Wilson testified that on March 3 of this year, while making an early morning delivery at William Mitchell’s Farm located on Little Sand Mountain Road in the southern section of Chattooga County, Commissioner Allen physically assaulted him, allegedly ripping his shirt, causing visible red marks on his chest, and resulting in a torn muscle in his lower back.

Chattooga County Commissioner Allen took the stand in his own defense and denied any physical contact with Wilson, including the claim of ripping Wilson’s shirt.

At the conclusion of the hearing, Attorney Bernard requested warrants for multiple charges, including Simple Battery, Reckless Conduct, Violation of Oath of Public Office, and Aggravated Battery.

Attorney Albert Palmour representing Commissioner Allen argued against the issuance of any warrants, denying the allegations, while pointing to conflicts in testimony, and alleging that Wilson had motives for seeking charges against his client.

At the close of the warrant hearing, Judge Griffin ruled immediately from the bench to find probable cause to issue a warrant for “at least simple battery,” a misdemeanor under Georgia law.

As to the other counts, the judge remained silent.

Judge Griffin did not indicate whether other charges would be forthcoming or if the simple battery would be the only charge.