From Law & Crime · · 1m 50s
Deputy Slapped 4-Year-Old So Hard He Could Hear It From the Other Side of the Wall
Georgia deputy allegedly slapped 4-year-old child so hard he could hear it through walls, leaving significant facial mark.
In brief
Georgia deputy allegedly slapped 4-year-old child so hard he could hear it through walls, leaving significant facial mark. Hall County Sheriff's Office deputy Martin Simmons was fired after allegedly slapping a 4-year-old child who refused to sleep, leaving a significant mark on his face. Originally reported by Law &…
Alleged Assault
Hall County Sheriff's Office deputy Martin Simmons, 46, stands accused of family violence battery and child cruelty.
Child Abuse Complaint
The Oakwood Police Department began investigating the matter after receiving a child abuse complaint from the Department of Family and Child Services.
Date and Location
The alleged abuse happened Sept. 9 at an apartment on Harwood Road in Flowery Branch, about 40 miles northeast of Atlanta.
Alleged Slap Details
Other people allegedly heard Simmons hitting the victim 'through the walls,' the complaint said.
Child's Reaction
Police told AccessNorthGa.com that Simmons was trying to put the 4-year-old to bed but the boy started crying because he did not want to sleep.
Physical Mark
Simmons allegedly left a 'significant mark' in the shape of a hand on the child's face. Bruising appeared the next day, police said.
Firing
The Hall County Sheriff's Office fired Simmons on Oct. 14 after an arrest warrant was issued.
Recent Promotion
He had recently been promoted to investigator and was still training for the job when he was fired.
Background
He joined the agency as a jailer in July 2023. He graduated from the police academy about a year later and joined the patrol division.
Current Status
Simmons was arrested and taken to the Hall County Jail, where he has since bonded out. His next court date is not listed.
The headline
Hall County Sheriff's Office deputy Martin Simmons was fired after allegedly slapping a 4-year-old child who refused to sleep, leaving a significant mark on his face.
