Mayor of Soperton pleads not guilty to battery charges

SOPERTEN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Mayor of Soperton Royce Fowler pleaded not guilty in front of a Treutlen County judge at his arraignment hearing.

Fowler is facing a misdemeanor battery and a felony terroristic threats charge. He’s accused of punching a man during an argument in August 2015. The incident happened before Fowlere was elected mayor.

Fowler’s Attorney James Garner believes his client was provoked from a prior incident between the two gentlemen. Garner says only one side of the story is being told.

Fowler’s lawyer requested a trial by jury. He says the next step in the process is collecting witness statements and evidence to prove Fowler’s innocence.

No date has been set for the trial.