VALDOSTA – On April 28, an incident of inappropriate contact was reported to the Valdosta Police Department.

The victim reported that on April 28, at approximately 2 p.m., she went to the South Georgia Medical Center (SGMC) Emergency Room seeking treatment for a medical condition. The victim reported that while being examined by a staff member, she was touched inappropriately by the staff member.

The victim reported the incident to SGMC Staff who also notified the Valdosta Police Department and the case was turned over to Valdosta Detectives for further investigation. At the completion of the investigation, an arrest warrant was presented to the Magistrate’s Court and was signed for the offense of Misdemeanor Sexual Battery.

The offender, Jay Johnson, 48, of Valdosta, voluntarily turned himself in to Valdosta Police Detectives on May 18 at 8 a.m. and was taken into custody at the Lowndes County Jail.

“The South Georgia Medical Center Administration to include SGMC Security have been very helpful and fully cooperative in this case and once the victim reported the incident, law enforcement was immediately notified and an investigation was initiated. Although it is unfortunate that the incident occurred, the situation was handled professionally and the offender was treated like everyone else,” said VPD Chief Brian Childress.

Release from the Valdosta Police Department