Atlanta police chief Richard Pennington's chief of staff is under investigation for allegedly bringing contraband to her son in the DeKalb County Jail, the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office confirmed.

The sheriff's office would not say what Maj. Pearlene Williams, a 28-year-old Atlanta Police Department veteran, is accused of smuggling.

Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Mikki Jones said no further information would be released at this time.

— Larry Hartstein

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Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez