A Flintstone, Georgia resident who formerly served as jail administrator for the Dade County Sheriff’s Office has been arrested following an investigation into allegations that county funds were used for personal purchases.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced that Joseph William Chambers, 52, of Flintstone in Walker County, has been charged with one count of Theft by Conversion and one count of Violation of Oath by a Public Officer.
According to the GBI, the investigation began on May 28 after the Dade County Sheriff’s Office requested the agency’s assistance regarding concerns over purchases allegedly made by Chambers while overseeing jail operations.
Officials said Chief Deputy Tommy Bradford initiated a review of financial records related to the jail after discovering expenditures that raised concerns. Following a review of preliminary findings, Bradford terminated Chambers’ employment on June 1.
The GBI said an agent assigned to the case obtained arrest warrants on June 4. Chambers, a Flintstone resident, later turned himself in at the Dade County Jail, where he was booked on the charges.
Investigators allege Chambers improperly used county funds for personal purchases while serving in his role with the sheriff’s office. Authorities have not released additional information regarding the amount of money involved or the specific nature of the purchases.
Both the GBI and the Dade County Sheriff’s Office stressed that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Due to the continuing investigation, sheriff’s officials said no additional information will be released at this time.
Once the investigation is complete, the case will be submitted to the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review and possible prosecution.
The GBI is asking anyone with information related to the case to contact its Regional Investigative Office in Calhoun at (706) 624-1424. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the GBI tip line, online tip portal, or the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations. Chambers is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.