A South Georgia deputy is behind bars Wednesday after being accused of trying to purchase illegal narcotics while off-duty, his sheriff said.

About 4:30 p.m., Wilcox County Deputy James Carlile was arrested on three felony charges, Sheriff Robert Rodgers said in a news release. He faces charges of conspiracy to purchase narcotics, use of communication device to facilitate a drug transaction and violation of oath of office.

A drug investigator became aware of Carlile’s involvement during a separate narcotics investigation, the release said.

"Drug use will not be tolerated by any citizens but our law enforcement officers will be held to higher standards," Sheriff Rodgers said in the release. "The sheriff, deputies and staff should be an example to the citizens of our community and any criminal activity will not be tolerated."

No other information about the deputy’s arrest was released.

The county’s jail is located in Abbeville, which is the county’s seat. It is about 65 miles northeast of Albany and 150 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta

In other news:

We checked with more than a dozen local school districts to find out their rules.

About the Author

Featured

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff waves to a crowd of supporters during his "Rally For Our Republic" event on Saturday, July 12, 2025, inside the Kehoe Iron Works building at Trustees Garden in Savannah. During his speech, Ossoff said, "What’s happening to our country right now should chill us to the bone." (Sarah Peacock for the AJC)

Credit: Sarah Peacock for the AJC