Former Bibb County deputy arrested on battery charge after internal investigation

Hester resigned from the sheriff’s office March 25, 2026, before the investigation was completed.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A former Bibb County deputy was arrested on a battery charge following an internal investigation into a use-of-force incident, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said Kenneth Hester, who was assigned to the Animal Welfare Division at the time, was charged with battery after an investigation found he struck a man in the head.

The incident occurred February 10, 2026, at a home in the 800 block of Schaeffer Place. Deputies said Hester was responding to an animal welfare call involving a subject from a prior animal cruelty case who was prohibited from having animals but was found to be in possession of them.

Officials said a man at the home became disorderly, and while attempting to make an arrest, Hester struck the man in the face, causing a laceration.

Hester resigned from the sheriff’s office March 25, 2026, before the investigation was completed.

On April 24, 2026, Hester turned himself in at the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center and was booked on the battery charge. He has since been released on bond.

Bibb County Sheriff David Davis released the following statement:

“Law enforcement officers are entrusted with significant authority, and with that authority comes an equally significant responsibility to act within the law and the standards of the sheriff’s office. When those standards are violated, we have a duty to act decisively and transparently. These investigations reflect our commitment serve our community with accountability and professionalism, and to maintain the rule of law.”