Jackson fireman faces child rape charges
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JACKSON, Tenn. — A fireman with the Jackson Fire Department is off the job and facing two counts of rape of a child. Hardeman County Sheriff John Doolen said investigators arrested 49-year-old George Conner Feb. 4. “We had a complaint on Mr. Conner alleging sexual misconduct with a minor child,” Doolen said. Charging documents said Connor sexually assaulted a 12-year-old female family member multiple times between June and October 2014. Doolen said he doesn’t believe Connor has any other alleged victims. “I believe we’ve got to the bottom of it on this one,” he said. “The child was interviewed and nothing come out about any other occurrence that occurred.” Conner is suspended without pay and if convicted could face up to 25 years for each count. He would also have to register as a sex offender for life. Jackson Fire Chief Max Stewart said he was shocked to hear about the allegations. “He’s a really good firefighter and never been a bit of trouble,” he said. Conner is a driver engineer at Station 2 on Westwood Avenue and has been with the department 19 years, according to Stewart. Conner is not eligible for back pay even if charges are dismissed, according to city officials. Stewart said there is a chance he could be placed back on duty if found not guilty. “We have to look at the situation and make sure it’s not going to be detrimental to the city’s image to let them come back to work,” he said. Conner is free on a $60,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court March 3.
