Ricco Starms

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Name:
Starms, Ricco Lamont

Date of Booking:
03/22/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
SEXUAL BATTERY – MISDEMEANOR

Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]

On March 22, 2026 at approximately 0442 hours, I responded to 950 Logistics Parkway, Proctor and Gamble (P&G), in reference to a person assaulted.

Upon arrival I entered through security and met with the complainant [VICTIM #1]. [VICTIM #1] indicated that at approximately 0200 hours this date she, Ricco Starms, [REDACTED], and [WITNESS #1] were returning to their forklifts after a break at work. She indicated they were talking about working overtime when she brought up getting her hair done. She showed the group a photograph of the hair style she wanted to get to the group.

[VICTIM #1] advised that Starms made a comment about the hair style and asked if her boyfriend pulls her hair. When she did not entertain the comment, she advised Starms asked if she liked her hair pulled. Again, the group did not entertain the comment. She advised Starms then advised he likes to choke women during intercourse. She advised that Starms grabbed the nearby forklift and demonstrated what he was talking about. [VICTIM #1] then advised Starms walked around the fork lift and behind her. Once behind her he placed his hand around her throat and pulled her into his body.

[VICTIM #1] indicated that while this made her very uncomfortable, she did not feel Starms was going to hurt her. She indicated the hand on her throat did apply a small amount of pressure she never felt as if she were losing oxygen or blood flow. [VICTIM #1] indicated that while being held by Starms, the whole front of his body was in contact with the rear of hers. She noted that his crotch area was pressed into her buttocks. She advised he was again stating this is what he liked to do during intercourse while holding her. [VICTIM #1] indicated no part of the touching was wanted or consensual.

[VICTIM #1] continued by stating that while being grabbed, she stated several times that the action was inappropriate. She advised Starms let go of her and left the area after the contact. [WITNESS #1] was the only other person present and witnessed the physical contact between Starms and [VICTIM #1] as [REDACTED] had already driven away on her forklift. [VICTIM #1] indicated she wanted Starms prosecuted for the contact. During my interview, [VICTIM #1] appeared to be uncomfortable with the interaction between her and Starms as I noted her voice became broken and trembled while explaining the physical acts.

I asked [WITNESS #1] to come to a separate location so I could get her perspective on the incident. We proceeded to a nearby conference room and she detailed the events. [WITNESS #1] indicated that after coming from a brake, she, [VICTIM #1], Starms, and [REDACTED] proceeded to where the forklifts were parked. She advised a conversation started around [VICTIM #1] wanting a specific hair style. She indicated this was about the time [REDACTED] had left.

[WITNESS #1] advised Starms made a comment about hair pulling, turning the conversation sexual. [WITNESS #1] indicated nobody really engaged with his comment. She advised he made another comment about how he liked to pull hair and liked to choke women during intercourse. She advised Starms demonstrated by grabbing the forklift and grunting. [WITNESS #1] advised Starms then proceeded behind [VICTIM #1], grabbed her by the throat, and pulled her into him. She advised he left after the interaction, noting that [VICTIM #1] made it clear she was uncomfortable.

I proceeded to the security office where an employee was attempting to pull the incident up on camera. He indicated he was unable to see the actual physical interaction but did show me a video of the four individuals walking from the break room to the parked forklifts. He advised the software is finicky some times and that a manager would more than likely be able to find the footage needed. I provided him my email and he advised if it was located it would be sent to that email.

I returned to [VICTIM #1] and confirmed that the physical contact was unwanted and to her intimate area, being the buttock. She confirmed that it was not wanted and that his crotch area was pressed against her buttock. She reiterated she wanted charges pressed on Starms.

I proceeded to the area where Starms was waiting. I sat with him and indicated I was here investigating a complaint. I asked him to detail the events that occurred. He proceeded to explain that he, [VICTIM #1], [REDACTED], and [WITNESS #1] were talking near the forklifts after a break. He indicated the conversation steered to speaking about a hair style [VICTIM #1] wanted to get done. He indicated that [VICTIM #1] mentioned liking her hair pulled, opening the sexual conversation in his opinion. He advised that he mentioned liking to choke women and advised he walked behind her to show her. He admitted to placing his hand around her neck and demonstrating on her.

I asked Starms if at any time the contact was invited by [VICTIM #1] and he indicated it was not. He stated that he knew he should not have put his hands on her. When prompted he indicated he did not hear [VICTIM #1] saying it was inappropriate.

I collected copies of written statements that the involved individuals provided to P&G. I informed Starms he would be placed under arrest for Sexual Battery. He removed his work equipment and left it with management. He was handcuffed in the rear with handcuffs that were fitted and double locked. I escorted him out of the building and into the rear of my patrol vehicle. Deputy Cabe provided [VICTIM #1] with a case card and explained the resources available. I transported Starms to the Butts County Jail where he was turned over to jail staff.

Misdemeanor warrant 26-142A was issued for Sexual Battery for the unwanted physical touch of [VICTIM #1]’s intimate area.

[End of Narrative]

All information is sourced directly from the official, public court database. Case history is organized and curated by The Georgia Gazette staff. The “What this means:” explanations are written by AI and reviewed by our staff before publishing.

Court records are subject to change at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors or omissions. Nothing here is legal advice. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Case History:

3/22/26

RICCO LAMONT STARMS ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH SEXUAL BATTERY — MISDEMEANOR IN BUTTS COUNTY

What this means: Ricco Lamont Starms was booked into custody in Butts County on March 22, 2026, on a charge of sexual battery — misdemeanor. An arrest means law enforcement took Starms into custody based on probable cause that a crime was committed. Being arrested is not a finding of guilt. Starms is presumed innocent unless and until proven otherwise in court.

3/23/26

BOND SET AT $5,000 — RICCO LAMONT STARMS RELEASED ON BONDING COMPANY

What this means: On March 23, 2026, the Magistrate Court of Butts County set bond for Ricco Lamont Starms at $5,000, secured through a bonding company — AAA Action Bonding. This allowed Starms to be released from custody while the case moved forward. The bond was issued under Warrant #26-142A.

7/13/26

ACCUSATION FILED — RICCO LAMONT STARMS CHARGED WITH SIMPLE BATTERY IN BUTTS COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT

What this means: On July 13, 2026, the Butts County Superior Court received a formal accusation — a charging document filed directly by the District Attorney’s office — against Ricco Lamont Starms. The accusation was filed by Leslie Tilson, Chief Assistant District Attorney, on behalf of District Attorney Dorothy V. Hull of the Towaliga Judicial Circuit. The case was assigned OCA No. 202604390 and docketed as Case No. 2026-SU-R-0293. The original charge of sexual battery — misdemeanor was reduced to one count of simple battery under O.C.G.A. 16-5-23. The accusation alleges that on or about March 22, 2026, in Butts County, Ricco Lamont Starms intentionally made physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with the alleged victim. Starms is accused of this offense and is presumed innocent. The case is now before the Butts County Superior Court.

9/23/26

ARRAIGNMENT HEARING SCHEDULED FOR 9/23/26 AT 9 AM

What this means: An arraignment hearing has been scheduled for September 23, 2026, at 9 AM in Butts County Superior Court for Ricco Lamont Starms. At an arraignment, the defendant is informed of the charges, advised of his rights, and asked to enter a plea — guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere (no contest). This is typically the defendant’s first appearance before a judge in Superior Court on the charges in the accusation.