The current police chiefs for the Vidalia Police Department and Glynn County Police Department were indicted Thursday, according to reports.
Chief Brian Scott, who became chief of the Vidalia Police Department in August, was indicted on two counts of influencing a witness and one count of criminal attempt to commit a felony. Scott was at the Glynn County Police Department when the alleged incident happened, according to a report by news station WTOC.
John Powell, who has been placed on administrative leave with pay in Glynn County, was indicted on charges of three counts of violating oath of office, two counts of influencing a witness and one count of criminal attempt to commit a felony.
Two other Glynn County officers, David Hassler and David Matthew Haney, have also been indicted.
The charges date to 2017, when information was released that Glynn-Brunswick Narcotics Enforcement Team investigator James Cassadra was having a sexual relationship with an informant. The court documents show that supervisors knew about the incidents but did not immediately report it to Powell, and when he did find out, he didn't take appropriate action, according to News4Jax.
The charges in the indictment resulted from his supervisors lying to protect the detective, including giving false information to a special agent of the GBI looking into the case.
According to the Brunswick News, Cassadra pleaded guilty to two counts of violation of his oath of office and agreed to provide testimony about additional wrongdoing within the police department, including suppression of information about a police chase that resulted in a fatality.
“We very much certainly respect the grand jury and their decision,” Glynn County Commissioner Bill Brunson said. “Obviously we are disappointed in the indictments, but it’s part of due process, and I think we have to remember that these policemen are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”
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