Former Hancock County sheriff’s deputy sentenced after allegations of domestic violence

A former Hancock County Sheriff’s deputy has been sentenced after he was accused of domestic violence in August.

Thirty-eight-year-old Colin Freeman, formerly a K9 handler among other roles, will serve six months’ probation after entering a no-contest plea.

Prosecutor Olen Anderson tells News 25 the former deputy will have to undergo drug testing and commit to an 18-week domestic violence intervention program.

If Freeman successfully completes his sentence, his conviction will be non-adjudicated, meaning he won’t have a criminal record. “With a no-contest plea, the defendant is coming in and, while not admitting guilt, admits that if the evidence goes to trial, he would be found guilty. When making a no-contest plea, the judge normally finds that there is enough evidence to find a person guilty, regardless of them not admitting their guilt.”

Anderson says Freeman’s sentence is typical for a first-time domestic violence offense.