Former Towns deputy to be sentenced next month

HIAWASSEE - Former Towns County Chief Deputy Eddie Osborn, along with former Towns County Sheriff Rudy Eller, will be sentenced next month for his part in a shooting last July.

Osborn was convicted last week on 7 of 11 charges he faced in connection with the July 9, 2007 incident at the home of Gary Dean of Hiawassee. Osborn and another deputy, Jessie Gibson, were accused of firing shots at Dean's home. Dean apparently had been involved in a romantic relationship with Osborn's wife.

Gibson was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound Aug. 8, 2007 in what authorities said was a suicide.

Former Towns County Sheriff Rudy Eller admitted his part in the scheme Aug. 21, 2007, pleading guilty to hindering a state investigation involving his deputies. Eller also resigned from office.

Osborn was convicted on charges of aggravated assault, violation of oath of office and tampering with evidence, among others. His sentencing date is Aug. 14. Eller also faces sentencing on that date, according to the Towns County Clerk of Court office.