A Hephzibah man who contends his arrest for animal cruelty was without merit and spearheaded by the Hephzibah commission chairman has filed suit.
William M. Newsome, an officer with the Georgia Peace Officer’s Standards and Training Council, filed the Richmond County Superior Court civil lawsuit May 4 against Robert Buchwitz, Hephzibah city commission chairman, officer Leslie Boatright and the city of Hephzibah, alleging malicious prosecution, slander and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
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According to the lawsuit, Newsome was hunting with permission on a relative’s land on Fulcher Road, which is next to land owned by Buchwitz when he shot Buchwitz’ pigs in self-defense when the animals left Buchwitz’ property. Newsome alleges Buchwitz failed to keep his pigs and hogs properly fenced, and they continually strayed onto others’ property causing damage.
Newsome alleges that Buchwitz demanded he pay $11,000 or he would have Newsome arrested, which did happen Nov. 30, 2020. Newsome alleges Buchwitz used his position as city commission chairman to force the prosecution.
Richmond County State Court Solicitor Omeeka Loggins dropped the misdemeanor charge last summer, according to court records. Also, last summer, a judge granted a restraining order against Buchwitz ordering him to properly fence in his pigs and hogs.
Sandy Hodson is a staff reporter covering courts for The Augusta Press. Reach her at sandy@theaugustapress.com.
