A Towns County Grand Jury has handed up a second indictment against suspended Sheriff Ken Henderson after hearing evidence in the case on Tuesday, May 19.
Known as a superseding indictment, the brand-new indictment completely replaces the original indictment that a separate grand jury handed up in October of last year.
Enotah Judicial Circuit District Attorney Pro Tempore Frank Wood was seeking the superseding indictment to ward off potentially lengthy legal challenges against the original indictment, specifically because the original process included an empaneled grand juror whose physical residence is located in Clay County, N.C and therefore outside the legal jurisdiction for Towns County.
Henderson is facing seven criminal counts — five felonies and two misdemeanors — pertaining to the previously reported Dec. 13, 2024, roadside altercation involving himself and Hiawassee Police Officer José Carvajal.
The sheriff has already pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the case remains to be scheduled for trial.