Bibb County Deputy Arrested on Sexual Assault and Child Cruelty Charges

Sgt. Michael Scott Dorough and his wife Ashley face multiple charges including first-degree cruelty to children and influencing witnesses

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:20pm

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A Bibb County sheriff's deputy, Sgt. Michael Scott Dorough, and his wife Ashley have been arrested and charged with multiple offenses including sexual assault, first-degree cruelty to children, and influencing witnesses. The arrests were made by investigators with the Jones County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the Bibb County Sheriff's Office.

Why it matters

The arrest of a law enforcement officer on such serious charges, including sexual assault and child cruelty, is highly concerning and raises questions about accountability within the department as well as the safety of the community the officer was sworn to protect.

The details

Sgt. Michael Scott Dorough was arrested around 12:30 p.m. at the Bibb County jail and transported to Jones County, where he is being held. His wife Ashley Dorough was also arrested and is being held in the Jones County jail. Both are being held without bond and have been charged with first-degree cruelty to children and influencing witnesses. Sgt. Dorough faces an additional charge of sexual assault.

  • Sgt. Michael Scott Dorough was arrested around 12:30 p.m. on March 17, 2026.

The players

Sgt. Michael Scott Dorough

A former Bibb County sheriff's deputy who has been arrested and charged with sexual assault, first-degree cruelty to children, and influencing witnesses.

Ashley Dorough

The wife of Sgt. Michael Scott Dorough, who has been arrested and charged with first-degree cruelty to children and influencing witnesses.

Jones County Sheriff Butch Reece

The sheriff of Jones County, Georgia, where the Doroughs are being held.

Bibb County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that Sgt. Michael Scott Dorough previously worked for, and which assisted in the investigation leading to the arrests.

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What they’re saying

“Both Michael and Ashley Dorough are being held without bond.”

— Jones County Sheriff Butch Reece

What’s next

The judge will determine whether to grant bail for the Doroughs at a future hearing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations and accountability within law enforcement, especially when serious allegations such as sexual assault and child cruelty are involved. It raises concerns about the potential abuse of power and the need for robust systems to protect vulnerable members of the community.