LINCOLNTON, Ga. () – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating a Lincoln County commissioner and well-known business owner.

78-year-old Cooper Cliatt is the owner of Augusta Telephone and has been a county commissioner for more than 15 years, but has been under investigation by the GBI since last September.

For some in Lincoln County, they say the entire situation comes as a surprise.

“I find it very hard to believe. That’s how well I’ve known him throughout the years—and I’m talking many, many years. I find that very hard to believe,” said Jim Reese.

Reese says he’s lived two doors down from Cliatt for more than 2 decades.

“I would say he’s probably just like family,” said Reese. “He’s always been a super nice guy. Super, upstanding fella.”

The GBI says the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office first requested them to investigate an allegation of child molestation on May 22, 2024.

This Monday, Cliatt was indicted by a Lincoln County Grand Jury on two counts of child molestation.

Cliatt turned himself into the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday, and was released on a $50,000 bond.

Walker Norman is chairman for the board of commissioners.

“Cooper Cliatt is 78 years old, and he’s had a good reputation for 78 years. I’ve had multiple phone calls–lots of calls–not only from Lincoln but surrounding counties, and they’re all shocked,” said Norman.

Norman also says the charges couldn’t come at a worse time.

Just two weeks ago, they confirmed the death of commissioner Larry Collins, who served on the board for more than 20 years.

“It’s a blow to lose a combined 38 years worth of experience on the county commission.  I don’t care where you are. Commissioner (Brian) Henderson started his 7th year in January, and Commissioner (Stan) Tankersley started his 5th year in January. So you have two commissioners that could be gone that’s got more experience than the other two commissioners combined,” Norman said.

The chairman also adds that Cliatt has still not been proven guilty, and will continue standing behind him until that is the case.

“I’m going to support Commissioner Cliatt until he either tells me that he made a bad mistake, or until he’s convicted of the crime.”

Cliatt is still on the commission, representing District 3 in Lincoln County.

Norman also confirms if Cliatt is found guilty of the charges, he would not return to his commission duties.

There is no word yet on a court date for Cliatt.