Probate judge faces charge in Franklin County

CARNESVILLE - A Franklin County Probate Judge faces one count of sexual battery in an ongoing investigation.

According to Georgia Bureau of Investigation Special Agent In Charge Jim Fullington, the agency charged 71-year-old Judge Eddie Fowler with the one misdemeanor count last Tuesday night.

State authorities said the Franklin County sheriff's office requested their assistance in the case.

According to the GBI, Fowler has since been released on $3,000 bond.

Fowler's attorney is quoted in several published reports saying Fowler denies the allegations against him.

Tuesday night's charge comes on the same night voters chose his replacement in a runoff between two other men. Fowler is reportedly retiring.