Wilcox County Sheriff Forced to Resign, Out on Bond

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A federal judge released Wilcox County Sheriff Stacy Bloodsworth from custody Tuesday afternoon on a $25,000 secure bond. His son, Austin Bloodsworth, and former inmate Willie James Carothers were also released on $25,000 bond.

The three face several federal charges for allegedly abusing inmates in 2009. The three defendants plead not guilty to charges of conspiracy, constitutional violations, inmate abuse, and lying to the FBI.

Stacy Bloodsworth was forced to resign as sheriff Tuesday afternoon as a part of his bond agreement. He also had to agree to not run again for re-election as a part of his release. He was also ordered to have an electronic monitor., be on house arrest from 9pm until 6am, he is banned from having any firearms, and he had to surrender his passport.

Magistrate Judge Charles Weigle also told the three defendants they are not allowed to have contact with any of the alleged victims or witnesses. 

Former Jailer, Casey Owens, also faces federal charges in the alleged abuse of inmates, but he did not appear in court with the others.

Video evidence against Stacy Bloodsworth was supposed to be shown today, but prosecutors opted to not show it.

Bloodsworth’s attorney, Tom Withers, declined to make any comment. No trial date has been set.