District Attorney’s Decision Sparks Legal Backlash in Appling County Jail Assault Case

November 27, 2023
1 min read
⚖️ The Gist: William Rentz, a jailor at Appling County Jail, was arrested by the GBI on charges including Aggravated Assault after an incident with detainee Tremar Harris.

⚖️ The Gist: William Rentz, a jailor at Appling County Jail, was arrested by the GBI on charges including Aggravated Assault after an incident with detainee Tremar Harris.

However, the local District Attorney’s office has elected not to pursue the Aggravated Assault charge, a decision that has prompted Harris’s attorney to consider a lawsuit.

🔎 The Details:

  • Initial Arrest: The Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested Rentz on several charges, including Aggravated Assault, based on their inquiry into the January 29, 2022, incident where Harris was restrained.
  • Charges Processed: Rentz faced processing for these charges at the Appling County Jail, the location of the alleged assault.

📝 Prosecutorial Decision:

  • Charges Pursued: Despite the GBI’s findings and arrest, Harris’ lawyers say District Attorney’s office is moving forward with charges of Simple Battery and Violation of Oath by Public Officer, excluding Aggravated Assault.
  • Reasons for Decision: The DA’s decision not to pursue the original Aggravated Assault charge could be influenced by factors including evidence considerations, legal strategy, or prosecutorial discretion.

👨‍⚖️ Legal Consequences:

  • Potential Lawsuit: Civil rights attorney Harry Daniels, representing Harris, has expressed dissatisfaction with the DA’s decision, hinting at a potential lawsuit for what he deems a miscarriage of justice.
  • Attorney’s Critique: Daniels argues that the downgraded charges fail to reflect the seriousness of the guard’s alleged actions and the threat posed to Harris’s life.

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