A man with a troubling pattern of criminal behavior has been arrested once again, this time for sexually assaulting a woman inside a local Dollar General store.
Authorities say the suspect, who has already been arrested multiple times this year, continues to receive light sentences that allow him to reoffend.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the Dollar General at 4506 Windsor Springs Road around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday after receiving a report of a disturbance involving a male subject.
When deputies arrived, the victim told them that the suspect had rubbed against her with his genitals through the clothing he was wearing. The man was still inside the store when deputies arrived but fled out the front door upon seeing them. After a brief foot chase, Corporal Eric Varner took him into custody.
The suspect was identified as Tyrone Bernard Gaynor Jr., a 31-year-old man. Gaynor has been charged with misdemeanor sexual battery and misdemeanor obstruction of an officer.
This is not Gaynor’s first run-in with law enforcement. In fact, 2025 alone has seen multiple arrests for the same individual. On March 5, he was arrested for misdemeanor stalking related to an incident on March 2 at Diamond Lakes Park, located just up the road from the Dollar General. He was sentenced to probation and released just five days later. On Sept. 12, he was arrested again for probation violation and contempt of court related to unpaid child support. He was released 10 days later after receiving credit for time served.
Detectives are now reviewing additional reports to determine if Gaynor may be connected to other incidents in the area. The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
“This is an ongoing investigation,” said a statement from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. “Anyone who has information about this case or who may have encountered Tyrone Bernard Gaynor Jr. in an adverse manner is asked to contact Sergeant Terry Gore at 706-821-1020. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.”
Sheriff Eugene Brantley also addressed the case, emphasizing that protecting the community from repeat offenders remains a top priority.
“Behavior that targets and harms others in our community will never be tolerated in Richmond County,” said Sheriff Brantley. “Our deputies will continue to act quickly to protect victims, hold offenders accountable, and pursue every lead so that patterns of predatory conduct are identified and stopped. If you have information, please come forward. Your courage helps us keep our neighborhoods safe.”
