The Hall County Sheriff’s Office arrested a jail employee Friday, Feb. 12, following an incident at the Hall County Jail.

Branden Hulsey, 23, of Gainesville, was arrested and charged with one count of criminal damage to government property in the second degree after an investigation determined that while he was on duty at the jail on Feb. 10, he picked up a chair in the control room of an inmate housing unit and threw it into a glass window.

Hulsey reportedly threw the chair over frustration with completing required job-related paperwork.

Several employees who witnessed the incident reported it, despite Hulsey asking them to overlook the damage.

Hulsey’s employment was terminated Friday, Feb. 12.

“Hulsey’s conduct was unacceptable and a blatant criminal act,” Sheriff Gerald Couch said. “To
further compound the situation, Hulsey attempted to persuade other employees to overlook his
actions. I commend the other employees for doing the right thing and reporting the situation to
their supervisor. Hulsey is being held accountable for his actions. No one is exempt or above the
law.”

The estimated cost to replace the window is $5,000.

— Staff Reports