A Hart County commissioner and his son have been arrested for allegedly beating a man over a property dispute, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Wednesday.
The Hart County Sheriff's Office responded Saturday to a fight in-progress call at a home on Lavonia Highway in Hartwell. When deputies arrived, a young woman said people were fighting behind the home and that guns were involved.
Deputies found a man who appeared to have been beaten significantly. Ricky Carter, 64, and his son, Jake, 34, were also present and were armed with guns. Ricky Carter is a member of the Hart County Board of Commissioners.
Investigators says a dispute started over property by the people involved in the incident. The victim was taken to an area hospital for treatment. The man hasn't been named by deputies, and there is no word on his condition.
Two days after the incident, the sheriff's office requested the GBI assist with the investigation. The Carters were arrested on Tuesday, the GBI said.
Ricky Carter has been charged with aggravated battery, two counts of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and three counts of cruelty to children. At the time of his arrest, Ricky Carter was out on bond for another incident in which he was charged with terroristic threats/acts and pointing a pistol at another.
He is a state licensed residential and light commercial building contractor, according to the Hart County government website. It says he was first elected in 2012.
Jake Carter was charged with aggravated battery, aggravated assault, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, terroristic threats/acts, and three counts of cruelty to children.
The GBI said the investigation in continuing.
