By Adam Carlson
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
COLUMBUS, Ga. — A Muscogee County Jail correctional officer turned himself in to police and will be terminated following a violent, off-duty domestic dispute with his girlfriend this weekend, sheriff’s officials confirmed Monday morning.
According to Columbus police reports, 36-year-old Keith Searcy was wanted on charges of kidnapping (family violence), aggravated assault (family violence) and criminal trespass following a Sunday morning dispute with his girlfriend in the yard and front area of a 23rd Street residence.
Officers responded to the dispute at about 3:30 a.m. Officials said that Searcy turned himself in at the Public Safety Building just hours later. He was out on $15,250 bond by 6:15 a.m.
Searcy had been drinking, according to one of the reports. The victim was choked, suffering superficial injuries, but the family says she is in good condition.
Property damage valued at $350 also was reported.
Saying he was “disappointed” and “angered” by the alleged conduct, Muscogee County Sheriff John Darr told the Ledger-Enquirer Monday that Searcy will be terminated.
“It disappointed me and it angered me that we’d have somebody in the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office doing this kind of behavior,” Darr said.
Darr said that Searcy had been with the sheriff’s office less than a year; and that they had not had any performance-related issues with him, that Darr was aware of.
Darr said that the community expects more of the sheriff’s office, both on duty and off.
“That kind of behavior is not acceptable in any part of our society,” he said.
A criminal investigation is ongoing. Searcy will have the ability to appeal his termination.
“Knowing what I know about the facts, I’m not changing my mind,” Darr said.