GBI agent suspended as agency investigates possible loan fraud
A veteran GBI agent has been suspended with pay as the agency investigates his role in an alleged loan fraud that left a state employee's credit union out $1 million.
GBI spokesman John Bankhead said an official with the Department of Public Safety Credit Union, a nonprofit financial institution serving employees of state public safety organizations, contacted GBI Director Vernon Keenan recently with concerns about the $1 million loan, which has not been repaid.
The GBI inspector handling the case met last week with the state Attorney General's office, which advised that a criminal investigation was warranted. Charges have not been filed, Bankhead said.
The loan was taken by an unidentified owner of a company that sells security equipment to public and private entities, Bankhead said. The GBI is not a client, he said.
The agent, whose name also is being withheld, worked as a consultant with the security company. He "made an introduction" of the business owner that helped him secure the loan, Bankhead said.
The agent will be subject to an internal investigation and will remain suspended until that inquiry is resolved, he said.
About the Author
A native Atlantan, Boone joined the AJC staff in 2007. He quickly carved out a niche covering crime stories, assuming the public safety beat in 2014. He's covered some of the biggest trials this decade, from Hemy Neuman to Ross Harris to Chip Olsen, the latter of which was featured on Season 7 of the AJC's award-winning "Breakdown" podcast.
