By Patrick Yost
Editor

A Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office deputy was arrested Wednesday, July 11, after he allegedly fondled a female inmate at the west-bound rest area on Interstate 20 in Morgan County.
Harry J. Breitinger, 50, Auburn,  Ga., was charged with sexual assault upon a person in custody, aggravated sexual battery, violation of oath by a public officer and furnishing contraband to an inmate, according to Lt. Mark Williams, Morgan County Sheriff’s Office.
Williams said Breitinger was accused by the inmate during a June 3 transport from the Richmond County Detention Center to the Gwinnett County Detention Center. According to a press release from the Morgan County Sheriff's Office, Breitinger’s arrest came after a joint investigation by the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, Special Investigations unit; the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office; and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, Criminal Investigation division.
Williams said authorities allege that Breitinger stopped a Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office marked transport vehicle at the rest area, gave the inmate a cigarette and committed sexual battery. Williams said all charges are felonies. He also stated that when Breitinger was confronted by investigators, he confessed to the actions that led to the charges.
The press release states that Breitinger has resigned from the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office. He is currently incarcerated at the Morgan County Detention Center.

Printed in the July 19, 2012