Banks Co. Woman Arrested for Public Indecency
Banks County authorities have charged a woman with public indecency after she was found wandering in The Shoppes at Banks Crossing parking lot.
It happened Tuesday, August 15.
Banks County Sheriff’s office spokesperson Sgt Carissa McFaddin said deputies responded to a report of a suspicious person who was actively walking into numerous businesses in the Banks Crossing area while exposing her body to the public.
The female was described to be wearing a red shirt, a skirt and shoeless.
McFaddin said the deputy approached the woman who was wearing a red shirt, a skirt and was shoeless.
The deputy noted the woman had covered herself from head to toe in cigarette ashes and told the deputy she was “protected by the Lord” and “under God’s light”.
McFaddin said the woman was identifed as 47-year old Laura Ann Schmid Ledford of Weaverville, NC.
When asked by the deputy for her name, Ledford allegedly raised her shirt, exposing herself.
After a struggle, Ledford was arrested, but continued to scream and kick and fight the officer as she was escorted to the patrol vehicle.
Banks County EMS was requested to the scene to evaluate Ledford due to the concern of her mental and physical wellbeing.
Ledford was cleared by medical personnel on scene and was then transported to Banks County Detention Center.
She was charged with public indecency, obstruction, and simple battery of a law enforcement officer.
During the struggle with Ledford, McFaddin said the deputy suffered minor scratches and bruises but was otherwise unharmed.
