Former deputy accused of sexually assaulting inmate at jail he supervised

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — A former Cherokee County deputy, who up until Tuesday was a supervisor at the jail, is facing criminal charges himself.

Richard Gilleland, 53, is accused of sexually assaulting a female inmate at the very jail he supervised.

Channel 2's Alyssa Hyman sat down with Sheriff Frank Reynolds on Thursday afternoon. The sheriff said two female inmates came forward with allegations but there wasn't enough evidence to support charges for a second victim.

"There are portions of the jail that are not monitored by video surveillance it is our belief that he took the female to that portion of the jail that is not videotaped," he said.

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Reynolds said the investigation began last Friday.

"We work hard to build trust and confidence with our citizens, and in cases like, this we're going to police ourselves and we take this very seriously, and this is something. I'm not going to tolerate," Reynolds said.

The sheriff said the alleged assault took place in an office on at least two separate occasions with the same inmate.

Hyman tried to get his side of the story but once she arrived at his home, someone on the property asked her to leave.

The sheriff said they don't believe there are any other allegations but they're investigating to make sure.

Gilleland had been with the department for five years. He's also facing sexual battery charges and violation of oath of office.

Cox Media Group