James Bryant

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Name:
Bryant, James Raleigh

Date of Booking:
12/18/2025

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.]

[NARRATIVE #1 on December 10, 2025]

On 12/10/25, Chief James Arwood was contacted by Sgt. Kenji Dorsey Oconee County SRO, in reference to a possible sexual battery that occurred in the city. On 12/11/25 at approximately 1115 hours, I Ofc. Walter Clair (1107), went to the Oconee County High School to meet with the victim. Upon arrival, I met with Sgt. Dorsey who led me to a conference room to speak with the victim. At this time, I was introduced to [VICTIM #1] who was the victim.

Mrs. [VICTIM #1] advised me that on 11/28/2025 she and her friend [WITNESS #1] went to Rock Nobster Records, to look at some CD’s that were on sale. Mrs. [VICTIM #1] said when they arrived at the store the owner James Bryant greeted them and told them about the sale going on.

Mrs. [VICTIM #1] advised that while she was looking at CD’s, [WITNESS #1] was talking to the owner. While looking through the CD’s Mrs. [VICTIM #1] found a collection of Widespread Panic CD’s and got excited. At that time, she told the owner that she loved his Widespread Panic collection and that prompted him to walk over to her. Mrs. [VICTIM #1] advised that as Mr. Bryant approached her he began to rub her left hip and butt cheek, while asking her about Widespread Panic. Mrs. [VICTIM #1] advised that the rubbing continued for approximately 20 seconds and it made her feel very uncomfortable. Mrs. [VICTIM #1] said that after he walked away she bought her CD’s and left the store. Mrs. [VICTIM #1] advised that [WITNESS #1] saw the whole thing happen.

Mrs. [VICTIM #1] told me when she returned home, she informed her mom of what happened. Mrs. [VICTIM #1] also informed a teacher at Oconee County High School of the incident. That teacher informed Sgt. Dorsey of the incident and Sgt. Dorsey reached out to Watkinsville Police Department since it happened in the city limits.

[End of Narrative]

[NARRATIVE #2 on December 12, 2025]

On 12/12/2025 at approximately 1436 hours, I, Ofc Walter Clair(1107), met with [WITNESS #1] at the Watkinsville Police Department. Mr. [WITNESS #1] provided me with a witness statement to the event that occurred at Rock Nobster record store on 11/28/2025.

[End of Narrative]

[NARRATIVE #3 on December 15, 2025]

12/15/2025

Mr. Bryant came in on Monday December 15th @ 1000. Upon his arrival, I asked Bryant if he knew why I had requested he come in for an interview and he stated that he “had a good feeling as to why”.

As I went over a WAIVER OF COUNSEL form Mr. Bryant declined to speak with me at that time without an attorney present. Mr. Bryant reschedule for Weds December 17th at 1000 and stated that he would return with his attorney, I agreed.

12/17/2025

Bryant called on the morning of the 17th and stated that he had not had time to speak with his attorney yet and stated that we would have to push the interview out until Friday.

At that time I proceeded to obtain a warrant for O.C.G.A 16-6-22.1 Sexual Battery.

Both the victim and the witness [WITNESS #1] have been interviewed and both accounts are very similar with only a disagreement on how long the incident was. Victim stated that the incident lasted about 20 seconds, witness advised it lasted longer. [WITNESS #1] stated that he wished he would have intervened when the incident occurred and stated that he is willing to go to court and testify as a witness to this incident.

Both of the interviews on the BWC of Officer Claire.

Written statements have been added to the case file.

Mr. Bryant committed the offense of Sexual Battery when he made the decision to rub/massage the buttocks (intimate parts) of Ms. [VICTIM #1] without her consent inside of his record store.

While looking into Mr. Bryants background I noted another report from 2024. The incident report has been added to the case file (202410160213)

I will be making contact with the victim with an update on the case.

[End of Narrative]

The information below reflects all details available at the time of publication and was obtained directly from the official court database accessible to the public. Court records are subject to change at any time at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors, omissions, or discrepancies within the docket. No information provided should be construed as legal advice or opinion. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

CASE HISTORY:

12/22/25

FIRST APPEARANCE BOND DETERMINATION $2,500

What this means: At the first court appearance, the judge set bond at $2,500. This means the defendant could be released from jail by paying this amount, either directly or through a bail agent, while the case continues.

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12/22/25

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF BOND

What this means: The judge added specific rules the defendant must follow while out on bond. These could include things like no contact with certain people, travel restrictions, curfews, or drug testing. Violating these rules can result in being taken back to jail.

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12/22/25

CASH BOND

What this means: The defendant or someone on their behalf paid the bond in cash to secure release from jail. The cash serves as a guarantee that the defendant will appear at all future court dates. If all court requirements are met, the money may be returned at the end of the case.