AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A Richmond County deputy was arrested on a simple battery-family violence charge on Friday, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Richmond County Deputies responded to an apartment on Wrightsboro Road on Friday regarding a reported domestic dispute between a female victim and her boyfriend, Montell Walton, who is employed as a road patrol deputy with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, officials said.

An investigation was conducted by the Criminal Investigative Division.

Officials said during interviews, it was determined that Deputy Walton attempted to take the victim’s phone during the dispute, placing his elbow in her chest, which resulted in a visible red mark and difficulty breathing.

Walton admitted to taking the phone and tossing it within the apartment, authorities said.

The victim, who is 17 weeks pregnant and shares a one-year-old child with Walton, was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and was listed in stable condition, the sheriff’s office said.

Deputy Walton, employed with the sheriff’s office since June 2024, was arrested and charged with simple battery – family Violence, according to the sheriff’s office.

Chief Lewis Blanchard met with Walton Friday evening and placed him on unpaid administrative leave effective immediately.

Walton was then transported to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office holds all employees to the highest standards of conduct and will continue to ensure accountability and transparency throughout this ongoing investigation.

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