A former Richmond County sheriff's deputy who was found not guilty of child molestation less than three weeks ago was killed in a car accident Sunday morning.

Richmond County Deputy Coroner Johnny McDonald said Lindon Haworth Jr., 49, was driving north on Mike Padgett Highway when his car drifted into the left-hand lane and struck the side of another vehicle.

Mr. Haworth lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a deep ditch on the right side of the road, where the vehicle flipped onto the driver's side.

Mr. Haworth was partially ejected from the car and was pronounced dead of head injuries at the scene, Mr. McDonald said.

Mr. Haworth was fired from the Richmond County Sheriff's Office in June 2008 after he was accused of kissing a 14 year-old girl on the mouth in June 2007. He was acquitted June 12.

From the clothes Mr. Haworth was wearing, it appeared he was on his way to church when the accident occurred, Mr. McDonald said.

Mr. McDonald said that alcohol was not suspected but that blood samples have been sent off for toxicology tests and that it would be weeks before the results come back.

The driver of the other car also lost control of his vehicle and ran off the left side of the road and hit a fence.

He was taken to Medical College of Georgia to be treated for injuries that were not life-threatening.

Mr. Haworth worked for the Richmond County Sheriff's Office for 12 years. He was a decorated veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and was awarded a Purple Heart in 2004.

Reach Jonathan Overstreet at (706) 823-3708 or jonathan.overstreet@augustachronicle.com.