Exclusive: Former Town Manager Arrested Over 2014 Allegations

Former Columbus town manager Timothy James Barth, 65, a Rutherfordton resident, has been charged with using a town-owned iPhone to view pornography in 2014, court records show.

A Polk County magistrate issued the arrest warrant on Sept. 16, 2025. Barth was booked and released on a $1,000 unsecured bond on Sept. 22. His first court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 24 before District Court Judge Monica Gillett.

The alleged incident happened just weeks after Barth was confirmed as permanent town manager. He remained in the role until May 2025, when the town council terminated his employment. Danna Stansbury, executive director of the Foothills Regional Commission, is now serving as interim town manager.

Court records list Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputy John Edwards as the complainant. Neither the Polk County Sheriff’s Office nor the Town of Columbus has issued a public statement about the case.