Paulding County Deputy Arrested, Fired After Off-Duty Domestic Incident

PAULDING COUNTY, GA – A Paulding County Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested last week by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) following an off-duty domestic dispute with his spouse. The deputy, identified as 36-year-old Terry Scott McAdams, has been terminated from his employment with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident unfolded on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at approximately 1:15 PM, when a family member of the female victim contacted Paulding E-911 regarding a domestic dispute between a husband and wife. Upon dispatching deputies to the residence, it was immediately determined to be McAdams’ home.

Sheriff Ashley Henson was alerted to the incident and promptly requested the GBI to conduct the investigation, citing potential conflict of interest for the local agency. The GBI, an unbiased third-party state law enforcement entity, handles such investigations. Authorities noted that at the time of the incident, Deputy McAdams was off duty, and no equipment or gear issued by the Sheriff’s Office was involved.

As a result of the GBI’s investigation, Deputy McAdams was arrested and charged with Reckless Conduct (Misdemeanor), Battery (Misdemeanor), and Cruelty to Children, 2nd Degree (Felony). He was initially booked into the Paulding County Jail and then transferred to an adjacent county jail until he was granted bond. His employment with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office was terminated immediately upon his arrest.

Sheriff Ashley Henson commented on the difficult decision, stating, “We are committed to protecting all of our citizens no matter who is involved. Arresting and firing one of your own is one of the most difficult things a Sheriff has to do. No one is above the law, especially one of our own. We will always do what is right.”

For further inquiries regarding this incident, the public is directed to contact the GBI Region 1 Investigative Office at (706) 624-1424.