06/03/2026
UPDATE FOR CLARIFICATION:
This incident did not involve a student, faculty, or staff member of the Houston County School District. The incident occurred off campus at a private residence.
Sheriff Matt Moulton
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOUSTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE STATEMENT REGARDING FORMER DEPUTY NAKIA BENEFIELD:
The Houston County Sheriff's Office has been made aware of public interest regarding allegations involving former deputy, Nakia Benefield.
On Monday, May 18, 2026, the Warner Robins Police Department responded to a report of a possible sexual assault that had allegedly just occurred. During the course of their investigation, Deputy Nakia Benefield was identified as a possible suspect.
At the time of the alleged incident, Deputy Benefield was employed by the Houston County Sheriff's Office and was serving as a School Resource Deputy. Upon learning of the allegations, Deputy Benefield was immediately ordered to report to the Sheriff's Office and was placed on Administrative Leave with pay pending further investigation.
The Warner Robins Police Department conducted a thorough criminal investigation into the allegations. Simultaneously, the Houston County Sheriff's Office initiated an Internal Affairs investigation to determine whether Deputy Benefield's actions violated agency policies and standards of conduct.
As a result of the Internal Affairs investigation, multiple policy violations were identified. On May 19, 2026, Deputy Benefield was suspended without pay pending termination. In accordance with agency policy, Deputy Benefield was afforded the opportunity to appeal the pending termination through May 29, 2026. No appeal was filed. Consequently, Deputy Benefield's employment with the Houston County Sheriff's Office was terminated effective June 1, 2026. Deputy Benefield was hired by the Houston County Sheriff’s Office on July 24, 2023.
The Houston County Sheriff's Office fully cooperated with the Warner Robins Police Department and the Houston County District Attorney's Office throughout this investigation and will continue to provide any assistance requested.
Allegations of criminal misconduct involving a law enforcement officer are among the most serious matters any agency can face. Such allegations are taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, and addressed decisively. In this case, immediate action was taken to remove Deputy Benefield from active duty while both the criminal and administrative investigations were conducted.
The overwhelming majority of the men and women of the Houston County Sheriff's Office serve this community honorably, professionally, and with integrity every day. The actions of one individual do not define the character of this organization or the dedicated public servants who wear this badge.
The foundation of public safety is trust. The partnership between law enforcement and the community we serve depends upon accountability, transparency, and professionalism. Without trust, there can be no partnership. The Houston County Sheriff's Office remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct and will continue to hold all employees accountable for their actions.
As this matter remains within the criminal justice process, no further comments will be made at this time.
Respectfully,
Sheriff Matt Moulton
Houston County Sheriff's Office
