Sex abuse charges against Etowah County CEO headed to grand jury

Partrick Simms

Patrick Simms, chief administrative officer of the Etowah County Commission, waived a preliminary hearing Wednesday in Chambers County District Court and has been bound over to a grand jury on a charge of sexual abuse of a child under 12.

Simms was placed on indefinite administrative leave Feb. 13, and he surrendered to Chambers County authorities Feb. 19.

Simms is originally from Chambers County and still owns property there. At one time, he served as county manager for Chambers County.

According to a court filings, two Chambers County judges recused themselves from the case against Simms. Randolph County District Judge Clay Tinney bound the case over to the grand jury.

Chambers County Sheriff Sid Lockhart said that the alleged abuse was reported to authorities by the child's mother. She said the child was abused by Simms while driving in the county. He said the Feb. 8 incident is the only allegation of abuse made against Simms.

The child is not related to Simms, who through his attorney has denied the allegations.