HOMER — Details are emerging about a woman who allegedly exposed herself to the public at Banks Crossing last week, then fought with a female deputy sheriff.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, Aug. 15, when the deputy was dispatched to Banks Crossing to investigate the woman, who was walking to numerous businesses while exposing herself. The woman was wearing a red shirt, a skirt and no shoes, according to Banks County Sheriff’s Lt. Carissa McFaddin.
The deputy located the female standing in front of a business in the parking lot of The Shoppes at Banks Crossing.
The deputy noted that the female, later identified as Laura Ann Schmid Ledford, 47, of Weaverville, N.C., was covered from her face to her feet in cigarette ashes, McFaddin said.
When Ledford was asked for her name, she advised that she was “protected by the Lord” and “under God’s light”, McFaddin said.
The female deputy made an additional attempt to speak with Ledford to obtain her name, to which Ledford raised her shirt exposing her bare chest, McFaddin said. The deputy then attempted to detain the female, who began to resist and fight the deputy.
“After a short struggle, the deputy successfully restrained Ledford, who continued to scream, kick and fight the deputy as she was escorted to the rear of the patrol unit,” McFaddin said. “As the deputy was attempting to place Ledford in the rear of the patrol unit, Ledford kicked the deputy. Thankfully, the deputy only suffered a superficial injury.”
Banks County EMS was requested to the scene to evaluate Ledford due to the concern of her mental and physical wellbeing, according to McFaddin. Ledford was evaluated by medical personnel on scene and then was transported to Banks County Detention Center.
Ledford was charged with public indecency, obstruction, and simple battery of a law enforcement officer.
