Florida court tosses out criminal case against local sheriff

WALTON COUNTY, Ga. — A Florida court dismissed criminal charges against a Georgia sheriff and one of his top deputies Wednesday.

Walton County Sheriff Joe Chapman was facing disorderly conduct charges after a 2016 bar fight in the Panhandle near his vacation home.

Channel 2's Tony Thomas found Florida court records showing the Franklin County District Attorney in Appalacacola dismissed the disorderly conduct charge against Chapman after Chapman completed a deferred prosecution agreement.

Chapman, who was first elected as sheriff in 2005, completed the agreement by paying a $500 fine, not breaking the law in the last six months and having no contact with the victim, Charles Gray.

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The case stemmed from a 2016 barfight at a Carrabelle, Florida bar. Chapman and one of his top deputies, Damien Mercer, were charged first with battery then that was adjusted to disorderly conduct.

Mercer’s case was also dismissed Wednesday after he completed the same type of agreement.

Jones spoke to one of the victims, Charles Gray, by phone Wednesday. He told Jones he is upset about the outcome and wants the sheriff to at least apologize.

Chapman and Mercer could still face issues with the agency that credentials Georgia lawmen, The Training Council. A spokesperson told Jones its investigators are looking into the situation.

Gray’s twin brother William, is also listed in the Chapman case as being involved. Florida records Channel 2 Action News looked into show William Gray is in a Tallahassee area jail charged with attempted murder in another unrelated bar fight situation.

Cox Media Group