Anthony Kent has pleaded guilty to all charges related to the April 16, 2024, shooting of Statesboro Police Officer Joey DeLoach, following a vehicle break-in investigation at Copper Beech Townhomes.
Kent entered an open-ended guilty plea Tuesday morning in Bulloch County Superior Court. The plea was submitted without a negotiated sentence, leaving the decision entirely in the hands of Superior Court Judge Ronald Thompson, who is scheduled to issue sentencing on July 18, 2025.
The charges include:
- Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer (Felony)
- Two counts of Entering an Automobile with Intent to Commit Theft (Felony)
- Theft by Receiving Stolen Property (Felony)
- Obstruction of an Officer (Felony)
The incident occurred when officers responded to reports of someone breaking into vehicles in the apartment complex parking lot. During the response, Officer DeLoach was shot and suffered critical, life-threatening injuries. Thanks to extensive medical care and recovery efforts, he has since survived and continues to recover.
The guilty plea brings to a close more than a year of legal proceedings and community concern surrounding the high-profile case. The Ogeechee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office stated that no further comment will be made until sentencing is complete.
The case remains a reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face in the line of duty and has drawn continued attention and support for Officer DeLoach from the Statesboro community.
Press Release from Statesboro Police Deptartment:
Statement Regarding Anthony Kent’s Plea Agreement
July 8, 2025
The case involving Anthony Kent—charged with multiple offenses, including the April 2024 shooting of Officer Joey Deloach—took a significant step forward today with Kent’s guilty plea to all charges. As with all criminal matters, this agency will refrain from commenting on any potential sentencing, as those decisions rest with the prosecution, defense counsel, and ultimately the presiding judge. However, two matters merit acknowledgment.
First, we express our deep appreciation to every officer in this agency for their continued service. Each shift brings potential risks comparable to those faced on that night in April 2024. The men and women who wear the badge do so with courage and commitment, and this community can be assured that they give 100% each day.
Second, we extend our gratitude to our partner agencies who not only responded the night Officer Deloach was shot but also played crucial roles in the investigation and prosecution that followed. These include:
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Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia Southern University Police Department, both of which responded with full force to secure the scene and assist in apprehending Kent
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Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which conducted the use-of-force investigation and processed the crime scene
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Ogeechee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, which led the prosecution
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And last but certainly not least, our own officers and detectives, who rendered aid to Officer Deloach, secured the scene, apprehended Kent, and built the criminal case against him
We hope this plea and the forthcoming sentencing help bring closure to a painful chapter for Officer Deloach and his family. We also thank the Statesboro community for its continued outpouring of support over the past year. We remain committed to making this community a safe place to live and work.
