A Richmond County Sheriff’s Deputy has been arrested and placed on administrative leave following a domestic dispute reported on Wrightsboro Road, authorities said.
Deputies responded to an apartment on Friday in connection with an altercation between Montell Walton, a Road Patrol deputy, and his girlfriend, identified as Krishna Love. According to an investigation by the Criminal Investigative Division, Walton attempted to take Love’s phone during the dispute, placing his elbow in her chest. Authorities said the incident left a visible red mark and caused her difficulty breathing. Walton admitted to taking the phone and throwing it inside the apartment, a press release said.
Love, who is 17 weeks pregnant and shares a one-year-old child with Walton, was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and is listed in stable condition.
Deputy Walton, who joined the department in June 2024, was arrested and charged with simple battery – family violence.
At approximately 8:30 p.m. Friday, Chief Lewis Blanchard met with Walton and placed him on non-paid administrative leave. Walton was then transported to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.
In a statement, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office said it “holds all employees to the highest standards of conduct and will continue to ensure accountability and transparency throughout this ongoing investigation.”
