Eton Police Department employees under investigation

Published 7:29 am Tuesday, October 18, 2011

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating “certain employees” of the Eton Police Department regarding the possible misuse of seized funds, a GBI agent said on Monday.

Jerry Scott, agent in charge of the GBI office in Calhoun, said the investigation began at the request of District Attorney Kermit McManus.

“The GBI was requested on Sept. 15 (by McManus) … to investigate allegations of the misuse of seized funds on the part of certain employees of the Eton Police Department,” Scott said in an email. “The investigation is active and ongoing. Once the investigation is completed, it will be turned over to the appropriate prosecutor for review and appropriate action.”

McManus said on Monday he asked the GBI to “look into that situation.” He said Eton City Attorney Terry Miller requested help.

“(Miller) contacted me and told me about their situation and asked me what should be the next step … (and contacting the GBI) was the next step,” McManus said.

Miller said on Monday he had legal responsibilities to the city and could not comment. But he said he “would not dispute” McManus’ comments about how the investigation began.

McManus said he has not received a report from the GBI.

“I’m waiting for them to give me their report once they’ve conducted whatever they’re doing,” he said. “I know they’re interviewing folks as well.”

Eton Police Chief Brent Hooper said Monday morning he had no comment when asked about an investigation of the department.