Ex-GDC Officers, GA Deputy Charged In Inmate Assault: GBI

ROME, GA — Three former officers with the Georgia Department of Corrections, a GDC investigator and a former Floyd County deputy are facing charges in connection with the alleged aggravated assault of an inmate, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said.

While the GBI did not fully disclose details regarding the suspected assault, authorities said the Floyd County Sheriff's Office requested the agency's assistance on the matter on June 5. The GBI said the alleged assault took place at the Floyd County Jail.

The GBI said the following people were arrested and charged:

• Josha Riddle, 32, of Lafayette: charged on suspicion of aggravated assault, terroristic threats and acts, battery and violation of oath of office.
• Billy Lingerfelt, 63, of Lafayette: charged on suspicion of aggravated assault, terroristic threats and acts, battery and violation of oath of office.
• Donna Pettyjohn, 56, of Lafayette: charged on suspicion of conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit terroristic threats and acts, conspiracy to commit battery, false statements and violation of oath of office.
• Hannah Rittweger, 32, of Adairsville: charged on suspicion of conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit terroristic threats and acts, conspiracy to commit battery, false statements and violation of oath of office.
• Logan Nelson, 24, of Cave Spring: charged on suspicion of party to the crimes of aggravated assault, terroristic threats and acts, battery and violation of oath of office.

They are currently being held in the Floyd County Jail, the GBI said. Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to Floyd County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution, the GBI said.