Cobb County officer arrested, charged with assaulting woman

COBB COUNTY, Ga. - A Cobb County police officer is facing criminal charges including aggravated assault in connection with an incident involving a woman.

Detectives with the Cobb County Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons (CAP) Unit arrested Officer R.L. New Monday night at around 10.

In a statement, Officer Sarah O’Hara said, “The incident occurred while New was off-duty. The department initiated an investigation in response to a complaint received concerning New. This investigation remains active and ongoing at this time.”

At a press conference, Cobb County Police Chief Michael Register said that they believed that New met the victim online and that the incident happened at New's home.

Though she was an adult, Register said a forensic interview showed the victim had the mental capacity of someone "between 10 and 14 years of age."

He said that New's behavior was "disturbing." Though it appears that both parties consented to the "intimate encounter," the activities got the police to the point to create a warrant.

New, who has been with the Cobb County Police Department since 2005, was booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center on a felony charge of aggravated assault and a misdemeanor charge of simple battery. He is currently on administrative leave without pay.

No bond was set, pending a first court appearance in Cobb County Magistrate Court.

The investigation is continuing.