The GBI is investigating an aggravated battery that occurred in Tattnall County in late July. This week, the GBI arrested Elijah Harston King and Reece Steven Cole on aggravated battery charges and booked them into the Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office.

Preliminary information reveals that on Sunday, July 26, between Midnight and 2:00a.m., Christopher Bailey Swope was at 88 Carters Court in Reidsville when he was alleged attacked and severely beaten by Cole, who owns the residence, along with King. Reports state that Cole forced Swope to remain at the residence and to apologize on video for an argument that occurred earlier in the night at a graduation party in Cobbtown. Numerous interviews were conducted with witnesses supporting the report, and the information developed during that investigation was consistent with the statement provided by Swope, according to the GBI report.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Special Agent in Charge John Durden in the Statesboro office the Georgia Bureau of Investigation at 912-8571-1121.