NAME:
Hensley, John Robert
DATE:
08/16/2025
CHARGES:
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
CRUELTY TO CHILDREN – 1ST DEGREE
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
On 08/16/2025, I, Deputy Heptinstall, responded Code 1(Non-Emergency) to [200 BLOCK] Big Willow Ln in reference to an Assault that had occurred. Upon arrival I met with [WITNESS #1] (complaintant) who informed me that who will be referred to as J1 had ran from her Residence at [200 BLOCK] Big Willow Ln Rd to [200 BLOCK] Big Willow Ln Rd. Upon discovering the reason and the physical injury on J1 she immediately called 911. I stepped outside with J1 and spoke to her alone to get a better understanding of the events that had occurred.
While speaking with J1 she informed me that John Hensley (her mom’s boyfriend) and her had gotten into a disagreement over a phone and to get the phone back he picked her up by the Throat causing her to lose the ability to breath. While in a panic and in fear for her life she fled the residence and went to a nearby family members residence([WITNESS #1]). Upon inspecting her for any apparent injuries I could see that she had some marks on her neck that were visible that looked like it came from an Adults Hand being placed there. Once Deputy Stanley #557 arrived on scene I asked Deputy Stanley to talk with J1 about what had occurred while I went inside the residence to speak with [WITNESS #1].
While speaking to [WITNESS #1] inside the residence [WITNESS #1] informed me that Nycki Buttram(
Tamara Buttram
) was calling her and produced the cellphone to show that Nycki was attempting to contact her. [WITNESS #1] informed me that she had a Temporary Protection Order against her and provided me with the copy of it. After getting information from [WITNESS #1], Deputy Stanley and I relocated to [200 BLOCK] to speak to John about what occurred. Once at [200 BLOCK], John Hensley stepped outside to speak to us and when inquired about what happened and how J1 got the marks on her. He informed me that they did get into in an argument over the Phone and attempted to get it from her, but insisted that he didn’t choke her. I informed him that I never mentioned anyone choking her just that she had marks on her neck. When I asked where the phone was he informed me that she hid it from him and then a few moments went by he changed his mind and insisted that she must’ve taken it with her.
After John was outside speaking with us, two small children with sagging diapers that were nearly dragging the ground ran out of the residence and began playing in the yard. I called the nearby family members and requested someone from the family come get the two children that were playing in the yard and informed them that I’d be placing John Hensely under arrest and also notified Tamara (J1’s Mother) who was currently at work at Stanley’s Gas Station on Hwy 52 E. I informed her I’d call her back with more information. [WITNESS #2] their brother arrived at the residence and once the two children were out of sight of John, I placed him under arrest for Aggravated Assault (FV) and Cruelty to Children 1st Degree. Deputy Stanley transported him to the Gilmer County Detention Center while I finished gathering up all the information I needed. [WITNESS #2] took the two toddlers inside the residence to get them what they would need but only found a handful of diapers due to the house being so cluttered with random items and objects.
I relocated back to [200 BLOCK] to deliver a Vine Pamphlet and to request a written statement from [WITNESS #1]. While getting the written statement I requested to see [WITNESS #1]’s phone to verify that it was her Facebook Messenger that Tamara had called. Once I seen that it was [WITNESS #1]’s account I returned Tamara’s call and informed her that there was a TPO in place that she wasn’t allowed to contact her and by doing that she had violated the order that was granted on 08/05/2025 2025CV-401 and valid until 08/05/2026. Tamara denied it until I informed her I had witnessed it myself while it was happening. A short time afterwards [WITNESS #2] arrived back at the residence in a hurry informing me that Tamara had just pulled up to [200 BLOCK] being belligerent.
After [WITNESS #2] informed me Tamara had arrived at [200 BLOCK] in a red Truck, I left the residence of [200 BLOCK] and as I was making my way to my car. I could hear Tamara honking her horn continuously. After arriving where the road splits off between [200 BLOCK] and [200 BLOCK] I observed Tamara put the vehicle in park and exit the driver’s seat. After making contact with Tamara I informed her she was under arrest for violating the temporary protection order. Cuffs were applied in the front due to her informing me she had a back injury. Tamara was transported to the Gilmer County Detention Center without incident.
DFCS referral made
Cuffs checked for fit and double locked
Photographs submitted into evidence
Warrants applied for and granted
Vine Pamphlet given to victim.
[End of Narrative]
