Billy Joe Dooley, a businessman from Summerville, is under home confinement after being indicted by a Chattooga County Grand Jury on February 10. He faces multiple charges related to a hit-and-run accident from last year, including serious injury by vehicle, leaving the scene, and filing a false report.

The charges arise from an incident at the intersection of Highway 27 and Dot Johnson Drive, where Dooley allegedly failed to yield to a 2012 Kia Soul, causing injuries to five people. After the crash, Dooley fled the scene on foot and did not report the accident. He was later found running across Highway 27. Authorities also discovered an open can of beer in his vehicle. Grand jury records reveal that Dooley caused significant harm to Katie Talley while driving under the influence of alcohol and recklessly failed to yield to an approaching vehicle. The day after the accident, he allegedly tried to evade responsibility by filing a false police report, claiming his vehicle had been stolen.

Following the indictment, Superior Court Judge Melissa Hise issued a warrant for Dooley’s arrest but allowed him to seek bond only before a superior court judge. Two weeks later, Dooley appeared before Judge Hise, who set his bond at $10,000 with strict requirements for his release, including electronic monitoring and house arrest. The conditions for Dooley’s release involve wearing a GPS ankle monitor, a SCRAM alcohol monitor, keeping a curfew from 8 p. m. to 8 a. m. , and restrictions on his movements except for work, school, medical appointments, and court. He is forbidden from consuming alcohol or certain drugs and must comply with random testing and home visits. Any violation of these terms will result in his return to custody.

Additional conditions specify that he cannot use unauthorized drugs, must pay for monitoring costs, and is subject to random visits for compliance checks. Dooley must also ensure the electronic monitoring equipment is functioning and return it in good condition after the monitoring period ends.