A former Rockdale County deputy was sentenced to a year of probation after taking a a negotiated plea deal in a sexual battery case Thursday, Channel 2 Action News reported.
Dedra Hall, 41, of Covington, was arrested last August after being accused of sexually harassing a county clerk who worked in the same building, AJC.com previously reported.
Credit: Rockdale County Sheriff's Office
Credit: Rockdale County Sheriff's Office
Hall, who worked as a bailiff at the time, was accused of commenting on the victim’s cleavage showing before touching her inappropriately on April 12, 2018. The victim spoke in court, detailing the harassment. AJC.com does not publish the names of sexual assault victims.
“I was scared. I was shocked, confused and fearful as to why it is this (expletive) was groping and fondling my breasts,” the woman said, according to Channel 2.
The victim previously spoke anonymously to Channel 2, saying that she was scared and pulled away from Hall. The woman began to re-button her dress, but she said Hall told her, “Oh no. Don’t button it now.”
MORE: Former Rockdale clerk details sexual allegations she made against ex-deputy
In court Thursday, the victim said Hall also patted her gun during the harassment in an attempt to intimate her.
Hall previously denied the sexual battery allegations. She was allowed to resign from the sheriff’s office the day she was set to be fired. The victim also no longer works for the county.
Hall entered a negotiated nolo contendere plea, which means she accepts conviction as though she was found guilty, but she does not admit her guilt.
After the hearing, Hall and her attorney declined to comment to Channel 2. In addition to her year on probation, she was ordered to never contact the victim again.
Correction: An earlier version of this story said Dedra Hall pleaded guilty in this case. Instead, she entered a nolo contendere plea.
In other news:
About the Author
