Reported Union Co. GOP chief arrested for sexual assault

BLAIRSVILLE - The Union County Sheriff's Office on Friday arrested Billy Joe Turnage, 76, of Blairsville on charges of aggravated sexual assault and criminal attempt to commit rape.<br /> <br /> According to an arrest report provided by the Sheriff, the incident happened Wednesday afternoon at a location on Mockingbird Trail and involved a 39-year-old female.<br /> <br /> Local media reports and other sources name Turnage as the Chairman of the Union County Republican Party.<br /> <br /> Attempts to contact the Union County GOP were unsuccessful at this writing. His name was not listed on their website Wednesday afternoon.<br /> <br /> Turnage has been released on a property bond according to Union County authorities..<br />