New charges in Hall Co. child cruelty case

A man and woman from Gainesville arrested on child cruelty charges last week now face drug and weapons charges as well.

William Stewart Tumlin, 36, and Kasey Nicole Zorza, 32, who live with each other at a residence on Scenic Drive, were first arrested on Thursday following an investigation into the abuse of a child under the age of 18. Earlier this year, the victim was discovered with bruises and other marks on the body as the result of a beating. The child left the home in May of this year. Law enforcement was alerted to the incident by a representative from the Department of Family and Children Services.

HALL COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE (HCSO) NARRATIVE:

“The investigation first led to charges of first degree child cruelty and battery (FVA) for Tumlin and second degree child cruelty for Zorza. As HCSO deputies were conducting a sweep of the residence during the arrest, they found evidence of illegal narcotics in a bedroom and called agency drug investigators to the scene. Drug investigators seized drug paraphernalia, less than a gram of methamphetamine, less than an ounce of marijuana and a 9mm handgun from the residence.

Both Tumlin and Zorza each were charged Sunday…with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana (less than 1 ounce) and possession and use of drug related objects.

Both suspects remain in the Hall County Jail.”