Fired DCSO deputy charged in sexual misconduct case

DAWSONVILLE - A fired Dawson County sheriff's deputy is free on $5,200 bond after being formally charged in a sexual misconduct case.

Sheriff Billy Carlisle said Thursday Mark Caruana has been charged with sexual battery and giving false statements.

Carlisle said earlier this month he had asked the GBI to investigate the allegations. (See earlier story.)

Carlisle said the complaint was filed by a woman who said Caruana made suggestive remarks to her and touched her inappropriately at her home on September 27. The deputy had been at the house earlier that day on a legitimate call.