Man acquitted of punching the sheriff

A Georgia jury returned not guilty verdicts on all three charges against a 37-year old man accused of punching Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley in the head.  Acquitted on Wednesday was John Matthew Williams.  The charges arose from Shirley’s response in 2016 to a report of a possible kidnapping.  The jury saw photographs of the sheriff’s  injuries, but foreman Steve Floyd said, “We just felt that they (prosecution) did not present enough evidence to overcome reasonable doubt.”  WNEG Toccoa quoted Shirley as saying, “I do respect the jurors’ decision.  They didn’t get to hear all the facts of this case.  I have no ill feelings whatsoever. I know they had a difficult job in rendering a verdict that the speaks the truth and I respect that.”