A former Floyd County Sheriff’s Deputy has been sentenced to six years, with 12 months to serve in connection with an incident that occurred back in 2012.
According to previous reports, James “Rick” Nelson resigned from the department during a GBI investigation surrounding his claims that a suspect struck him with a microwave oven.
In May of 2012, Nelson claimed he was struck on the left side of the face with a microwave while arresting a man at an Adams Circle residence. He took out a warrant against the man for aggravated assault.
The sheriff eventually turned the matter over to District Attorney Leigh Patterson after the appearance of inconsistencies in Nelson’s story. Patterson then turned the case over to the GBI.
Nelson was indicted in November of last year (2014) for false statements and writings, and other charges.
Last Friday, Nelson’s attorney asked the court to accept an Alford plea which is defined as a guilty plea in which the defendant does not admit the act but concedes that the prosecution can prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Judge Bryant Durham accepted the plea.
Nelson also asked to be sentenced as a first offender and the judge granted that request, as well.
Nelson must also pay a $1,000 fine.
He will report to jail on Friday of this week (April the 17th).
(WRGA/www.wrgarome.com)