WAYCROSS, Ga. – Two Waycross police officers have filed charges against a local civil rights activist for what's being called Facebook stalking.
Bobby Worthy, who is the president of the Justice League United, turned himself in to Ware County detectives overnight after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Waycross police Officer Casey Caswell wanted Worthy charged with defamation of character, but a judge last month dismissed that charge. But now, Worthy is being accused of stalking by another Waycross police officer.
According to police reports, Worthy posted pictures and the actual address of Officer Corey Gay's house on Facebook, putting the officer and his family in fear for their lives. Worthy said he only wants the public to know what he calls "the truth."
"I posted the truth," Worthy said. "This officer was found guilty for pulling a young man over for a seat belt violation, for forcing him out of the car at gunpoint and placing him in handcuffs."
Worthy said he wanted taxpayers in Waycross to know about a $12.5 million lawsuit filed by the family of high school senior Montre Merrit. Merrit was held at gunpoint for a seat belt violation by Gay, who was found guilty of using excessive force. Worthy took to the officer's personal Facebook page, accusing him of racial profiling and divulging his address on Facebook, which he got from the tax assessor's office.
"The reason I posted it was to bring awareness to this officer's paygrade," Worthy said. "How is he making this much money to pay for this house?"
A magistrate ruled in favor of Gay, charging Worthy with stalking, which is defined as "following, watching or contacting another person without their consent in or order to harass or intimidate that person. A stalker may contact someone through phone, mail, computer or any electronic device."
Worthy turned himself in Monday night and posted a video online. He insists he's done nothing wrong.
"If they lock me up, then there should be 99 million other people in jail," Worthy said.
Worthy is forbidden from posting anything about the two officers on Facebook as part of his agreement with the judge, who released him.
He's also not allowed to go to the police department, which he said infringes on his rights because he's a civil rights advocate and frequents the police department, which is a public place.
Worthy said he is filing a lawsuit for false arrest and malicious prosecution.