EXCLUSIVE: Charge Against Former Columbus Town Manager Dismissed

District Attorney Andrew Murray has dismissed a criminal charge against former Columbus Town Manager Timothy Barth, according to Polk District Court records reviewed by WCAB News.

Barth, 65, of Rutherfordton, was arrested on Sept. 22 and released the same day on a $1,000 unsecured bond. The charge was tied to an alleged offense on Nov. 1, 2014, according to a criminal complaint from the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

On Sept. 24, Judge Monica J. Gillett entered a voluntary dismissal at the DA’s request. The official disposition states: “VD–District Dismissals w/o Leave by DA – No Plea Agreement. No crime charged.”

Sources familiar with the matter told WCAB News the complaint referenced an iPhone 14 in connection with the alleged incident. However, that device was not released until 2022, years after the date listed in the complaint.

The case is now closed with no further court proceedings scheduled.