Georgia Man Arrested After Allegedly Smacking Reporter’s Butt on Live TV
Written by SOURCE on December 14, 2019
A Georgia man who is accused of sexually assaulting a female reporter on live TV has been arrested, according to NBC News.
The incident occurred last Saturday during the Enmarket Savannah Bridge Run in Savannah, Georgia. WSAV reporter Alex Bozarjian was dispatching live from the race when a male runner came approached her from behind and slapped her backside. Bozarjian was noticeably disturbed and stunned, but continued her coverage moments after.
“To the man who smacked my butt on live TV this morning: You violated, objectified, and embarrassed me,” she tweeted. “No woman should EVER have to put up with this at work or anywhere!! Do better.”
Bozarjian reported the incident to local authorities and expressed her intentions to pursue criminal charges. According to a police report, the man who was seen smacking the reporter was 43-year-old Thomas Callaway, 43, of Statesboro, Georgia.
“[Bozarjian] described the smack as a ‘smack and grab,’ advising that [Callaway also grabbed her buttocks in the same motion,” the police report read. “She stated she felt a sharp sting after the smack and advised that it caused her to pause during her broadcast.”
Two days after the incident, Callaway’s attorney, Joseph Turner, issued a statement to CNN, insisting his client was in contact with Savannah police as well as Bozarjian’s representatives to rectify the situation.
“While we regret the situation, Mr. Callaway did not act with any criminal intentions,” the statement read. “Tommy is a loving husband and father who is very active in the community. We have been in touch with WSAV and representatives of Ms. Alex Bozarjian, as well as members of Savannah law enforcement. We do not expect any criminal charges to arise from this incident.”
Callaway was subsequently charged with a misdemeanor charge of sexual battery, which carries a maximum sentence of a year in jail. He turned himself in shortly after he was charged, and has since been released on a $1,300 bond. His court date has not been announced.
Bozarjian is being represented by famed women’s rights attorney Gloria Allred.
