The Columbus Police Department is receiving significant backlash online after the arrest of a well-known disfigured homeless man. Demarius Hampton, who also identifies himself as “Christian” was arrested July 13, 2026, for contempt of court according to public information officer Brittany Santiago. Hampton was in contempt for failure to appear on charges of loitering and providing false information back in May.
According to jail records the false information case was dismissed and the loitering and contempt of court charge show “sentence amended” and Hampton has since been released from the Muscogee County Jail.
Hampton has an unmistakable appearance because he wears clothing to cover one side of his head where his hand is permanently situated above his head. He is also widely known for using a piece of paper with the alphabet on it to communicate with members of the public. Now Georgia has confirmed that Hampton does have the ability to speak but chooses a nonverbal method of conveying information to concerned citizens who offer help…