LINCOLNTON, Ga. () – Lincoln County District 3 Commissioner Hartwell Cooper Cliatt has been arrested by the Georgia Bureau of Investigations on two counts of Child Molestation.

According to a press release from the GBI, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office asked the GBI to investigate an allegation of child molestation against Cliatt back on May 22, 2024.

According to the grand jury indictment, the alleged incident happened between December 26th and 28th, 2021.

On Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, Cliatt was indicted by a Lincoln County Grand Jury on two counts of child molestation. Cliatt turned himself in to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025.

Cliatt was released on a $50,000.00 bond.

Those with information are encouraged to contact the GBI regional investigative office in Thomson at 706-595-2575. Tips can be submitted anonymously at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477) and online at  .