RICHMOND COUNTY, Ga. () – A Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Deputy has been arrested following a domestic incident.

According to authorities, deputies responded to an apartment on Wrightsboro Road on Friday, July 18th in regards to a reported domestic dispute between a female victim and her boyfriend, who has been identified as Deputy Montell Walton, a Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol Deputy.

During the investigation interview with the Criminal Investigative Division, it was determined that Walton attempted to take the victim’s phone during the dispute, placing his elbow in her chest, which resulted in a visible red mark and difficulty breathing.

Authorities state that Walton admitted to taking the phone and tossing it within the apartment.

According to investigators, the female victim is 17 weeks pregnant and shares a one-year-old child with Walton.

Authorities say the victim was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and was listed in stable condition.

According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, Walton, who authorities say has been employed with the RCSO since June 2024, was arrested and charged with Simple Battery – Family Violence, and at approximately 8:30 PM, Walton was placed on non-paid administrative leave effective immediately. Following this action, Walton was transported to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.