TCSO Investigates Alleged Sexual Battery

mrandolphadvance@gmail.com

The Toombs County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) is investigating a case of sexual battery that is suspected to have occurred on December 30.

According to deputies, law enforcement was dispatched to 295 Henry Wolfe Road in the unincorporated county area, to a report of alleged sexual battery at 12:46 p.m. Upon arrival at the residence, the female caller explained that she was an employee at the Pop’s Store located on U.S. Highway 1 South. According to the woman, the business’s owner, Sanjaykumar Patel, asked her to come to the cooler area with him during her shift at around 11:55 a.m. on the same day.

Once having reached the cooler area, the caller said that Patel handed her a small plastic bag of marijuana, which she took and began to walk away. The woman told officers that before she could walk away from the area, Patel grabbed her from behind, placing his hand on her breast, and began to kiss her ear and neck. The woman said she told Patel to stop, but claimed he replied, “Give me some, a little won’t hurt.” She said she had to physically pull away from Patel, and immediately left the store.

The caller told deputies that there is surveillance footage in the area, and that the incident should be on video. The investigation was turned over to Investigator Chris Clark, who is continuing to probe the case.

All accused remain innocent until proven guilty, as the investigation is still active.