Former Houston deputy arrested on rape, sexual battery charges

Jail records show Nakia Benefield is being held without bond after a Warner Robins sexual assault investigation.

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A former Houston County sheriff’s deputy has been arrested on rape, aggravated sexual battery, false imprisonment and violation of oath charges after a Warner Robins sexual assault investigation, according to Houston County jail records and the Houston County Sheriff’s Office.

Houston County jail records show 49-year-old Nakia Benefield was arrested Wednesday and is being held without bond.

Sheriff Matt Moulton said in a news release that the deputy was terminated effective June 1 after an internal affairs investigation found multiple policy violations.

According to the sheriff’s office, Warner Robins police responded May 18 to a report of a possible sexual assault. During the investigation, Benefield was identified as a possible suspect.

The sheriff’s office says Benefield was employed at the time and was serving as a school resource deputy.

Moulton said Benefield was immediately ordered to report to the sheriff’s office and placed on paid administrative leave after the agency learned of the allegations.

The Warner Robins Police Department conducted the criminal investigation, while the Houston County Sheriff’s Office opened an internal affairs investigation to determine if Benefield violated agency policies and standards of conduct, according to the release.

The sheriff’s office says Benefield was suspended without pay May 19 pending termination. Benefield had until May 29 to appeal the pending termination, but no appeal was filed, according to the sheriff’s office.

Benefield was hired by the Houston County Sheriff’s Office on July 24, 2023.

“The foundation of public safety is trust,” Moulton said in the release. “The partnership between law enforcement and the community we serve depends upon accountability, transparency, and professionalism. Without trust, there can be no partnership. The Houston County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct and will continue to hold all employees accountable for their actions.”

Moulton said the sheriff’s office cooperated with the Warner Robins Police Department and the Houston County District Attorney’s Office throughout the investigation.

The sheriff’s office said no further comments will be made while the case remains in the criminal justice process.