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A fire chief from South Georgia has officially been terminated from his job as he faces a number of child molestation allegations.
The investigation began when a minor called 911 on Monday, January 26, and accused Dale Lehman Barnard, who previously served as the chief of the Glennville Fire Department, of coming into his house and molesting him. Exact details of the allegations have not been released publicly.
After receiving the report, the Glennville Police Department and the Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office asked the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI) to investigate the allegations. The GBI then reportedly found enough evidence in Barnard’s home to arrest him on Tuesday, January 27. The nature of the evidence discovered that led to his arrest remains unclear at the time of publication.
Barnard, 66, was subsequently charged with two counts of child molestation, one count of aggravated child molestation and one count of criminal trespass, according to police records seen by Us Weekly on Saturday, January 31. He is being held without bond.
According to Georgia state law, child molestation is a felony defined when anyone commits any “immoral or indecent act to or in the presence of or with any child under the age of 16 years with the intent to arouse or satisfy” sexual desires, or “by means of an electronic device, transmits images of a person engaging in, inducing, or otherwise participating in any immoral or indecent act to a child under the age of 16 years with the intent to arouse or satisfy” sexual desires.
Aggravated child molestation occurs when the crime “physically injures the child or involves an act of sodomy.” Penalties for aggravated child molestation include up to 25 years behind bars and probation for life, depending on the age of the victim.
His charge of criminal trespassing is a misdemeanor.
Days after Barnard’s arrest, the Glennville City Council met on Thursday, January 29, to discuss the case before subsequently voting to terminate the former chief from his position at the fire department, effective immediately. The firing was later confirmed by the city’s manager, according to CBS News.
As the news made local headlines, Glennville resident Brendon Ward said finding out about Barnard’s arrest was a “very big shock” for him.
“He was my bus driver when I was in elementary school. I knew his grandchildren, I knew his children,” Ward said, according to WJCL 22. “I always thought he was a good guy.”
Another resident, Lanice Armstrong, suggested the city needed to “do more research” into who they “hire” for jobs.
The case is currently still under investigation. It is expected to be given to the Atlantic Judicial District Attorney’s Office for prosecution in the near future.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
Parents, teachers, and guardians interested in learning more about protecting children from exploitation can find useful tools and information at Know2Protect.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
