GBI arrests Rabun County Sheriff in sexual assault investigation

The GBI has arrested Rabun County Sheriff Chad Nichols, 45, of Clayton, Georgia, and charged him with public indecency, sexual assault, and breach of office by a public official. On Friday, May 24, 2024, Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney George Christian asked the GBI to investigate an incident involving Nichols.

Nichols turned himself in and was taken to the Rabun County Detention Center.

This investigation is active and ongoing.

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be turned over to the District Attorney of the Mountain Judicial Circuit for prosecution.

The Rabun County Board of Commissioners released a brief statement on the arrest, saying, “The Rabun County Board of Commissioners is aware of the arrest and indictment by the Rabun County Sheriff. The Board will gather information and respond accordingly. The GBI and the Governor’s Office are aware of the situation.”