Man Falsely Accused of Rape Released After 70 days

On April 21, 2106, Lori Morgan of 117 Orchard Road, was arrested and charged with 19 Felonies and one misdemeanor stemming from an investigation in which Morgan accused Joseph Lee Hulsey of Rape on February 1, 2016 at a residence here in Gilmer county. Based upon her complaint with some corroborating evidence, law enforcement took action to arrest Hulsey, who was on his way to Florida. He was apprehended at a bus station in Marietta the same day of the report.

Captain Calvin Wilson of the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office stated that they like to investigate complaints as thoroughly as possible before taking warrants, but in this case felt the need to move as quickly as possible on the arrest since Hulsey appeared to be in flight from the crime. With probable cause, a warrant was obtained and Hulsey was apprehended.

While continuing the investigation, Morgan was interviewed several times because there was some concerns with the case. In the last round of questioning, Morgan admitted to lying about the rape and stated there was consensual sex between the two. Morgan was arrested and charged with False Report of a Crime, Tampering with Evidence and 18 counts of False Statements.

Hulsey remained in jail throughout the investigation without bond but was released the day Morgan confessed to lying. Hulsey was incarcerated for 70 plus days.

Sheriff Stacy Nicholson stated, “We work diligently to prosecute sex offenders, but we work just as diligently to clear the name of those who have been falsely accused and deal strongly with those who knowingly falsely accuse someone of such a crime.  We also extend our appreciation to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for their assistance in this matter.”