Floyd County Superior Court Judge Walter Matthews – has granted a temporary protective order against former Floyd County Sheriff’s Deputy Jerry Duke in regard to an on-going relationship between Duke and a seventeen year old girl.

The mother of the girl filed the petition for the order on May 1st, saying that Duke, age 39 – had been going to her daughter’s job, meeting her in the park and at tech school and had been taking her to his home.

Judge Matthews told Duke the seventeen year old could not engage in a consensual relationship at her age – adding that when she is eighteen, she can then do as she wants.

After conferring with his attorney, Duke waived his right to a hearing and agreed to that order – meaning he will have no further contact with the girl until she reaches the age of eighteen.

Duke had been fired from the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office last week on a lengthy list of policy violations – including Immoral Conduct and Conduct Unbecoming a Deputy.

He has said he plans to appeal the termination.

(WRGA/www.wrgarome.com)