Seven-Count Indictment Returned for Man Accused of Threatening to Kill Family Members

An Oconee County grand jury has handed down a 10-count indictment against a local man last summer.

James Erik Hester, 33, has been indicted on the charges of aggravated assault, four counts of terroristic threats and acts, and two counts of battery.  

The alleged incident took place in the evening of August 21, 2011 at a home in the 1100 block of Watson Springs Road. Hester was hospitalized for treatment of to the abdomen, after authorities said he was shot by his brother-in-law as an act of self-defense.

Hester was and released the following day on a $25,000 bond, according to earlier reports.

Criminal indictments are not evidence of guilt; they are only charges.   Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.