Rabun County Man Charged With Rape, Aggravated Assault Following Investigation

RABUN COUNTY, Ga. A 39-year-old Rabun County man has been arrested on rape, aggravated assault and other charges following an investigation that began with deputies responding to a disturbance, according to the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office.

Timothy Richardson, 39, of Clayton, was arrested Tuesday, Aug. 18, and booked into the Rabun County Detention Center.

Richardson faces charges of rape, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, criminal trespass and harassing phone calls, according to Sheriff Mark Gerrells.

The investigation began Monday, Aug. 17, when Rabun County deputies responded to a disturbance at a residence in the county.

During their initial investigation, deputies learned of allegations involving Richardson and a person known to him, the sheriff said.

Based on information gathered at the scene, deputies referred the case to the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division for further investigation.

Investigation Leads to Arrest the Following Day

Detectives continued investigating the allegations, ultimately leading authorities to arrest Richardson on Aug. 18.

The sheriff’s office has not disclosed details about what allegedly occurred during the incident, the relationship between Richardson and the alleged victim, or the circumstances leading to each of the charges.

Gerrells said additional information is being withheld because of the sensitive nature of the allegations and to protect the victim’s privacy.

“This case remains active and ongoing,” Gerrells said.

Once the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office completes its investigation, the case will be forwarded to the Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.