The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says seven guards at Macon State Prison in Oglethorpe are charged with aggravated battery and violation of oath of office.

The GBI's John Bankhead said Monday the charges were made after an investigation requested by Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Brian Owens.

Bankhead says the charges stem from an assault on an inmate at the prison last Dec. 16. He says the inmate was hospitalized for an extended period.

Bankhead says the Americus office of the GBI began the investigation in early January.

Tags: GBI, Macon State Prison, aggravated battery charges, inmate beating