WARNER ROBINS, GEORGIA — Nakia Benefield, a 49-year-old school resource deputy at Northside High School in Warner Robins, Georgia, was arrested and faces charges of rape, aggravated sexual battery, false imprisonment, and violation of oath of office. His termination from the Houston County Sheriff's Office became effective June 1 following an internal investigation.
The Warner Robins Police Department responded to a sexual assault call on May 18. Investigators identified Benefield as a suspect through surveillance footage from the victim's home. Arrest warrants allege Benefield locked the victim in a bedroom and held her without consent.
Benefield was on duty at the time of the alleged incident. He attended juvenile court on the morning of May 18 and went to the victim's home instead of returning to Northside High School. Houston County Sheriff Matt Moulton stated, "He intentionally left his Mobile Data Terminal at the school, and when he got near the residence where the incident allegedly occurred, he turned off his portable radio." Moulton added, "That's how we track our deputies. That's how we find them if something goes wrong."
Benefield did not notify a supervisor before leaving the school campus. The alleged assault occurred off school property and did not involve students or staff. An internal affairs investigation found multiple policy violations. Moulton said, "Based off those policy violations, I made the decision to terminate Deputy Benefield before I even learned the outcome of the criminal investigation." Benefield was placed on paid administrative leave May 18 and suspended without pay May 19.
Benefield did not file an appeal after being given ten days. He was hired in 2023 and had no prior disciplinary record. Benefield was arrested at his residence on a Tuesday morning and is being held at the Houston County Sheriff's Office detention center. The Houston County District Attorney's office is prosecuting the case. No court date has been set.