Polk County man accused of forcing kids to witness abuse of family pet

POLK COUNTY, Ga. - The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested William Leviticus Self, 37, of Cedartown on three counts of Cruelty to Children. Self was taken into custody on Dec. 15 and booked into the Polk County Jail.

The case originated on Feb. 14 when the Polk County Police Department requested the GBI investigate allegations of child cruelty. Investigators determined that Self abused a family pet in the presence of his children and forced them to watch the incident.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking additional information. Anyone with details about the case can contact the Polk County Police Department at 770-748-7331, the GBI regional office in Calhoun at 706-624-1424, or submit anonymous tips by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), visiting the GBI's website, or using the "See Something, Send Something" mobile app.

Once the investigation is complete, the case will be turned over to the Polk County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.