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Policeman charged, resigns
Univ. investigates officer in child molestation case
CAROLYN CRIST
Issue date: 8/16/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
A University police officer resigned after being linked to the molestation of a 15-year-old girl.
Brian Anderson, 26, of Oglethorpe County, was arrested Tuesday and charged with child molestation, aggravated child molestation and violating his oath of office. Anderson worked for the Oglethorpe County Sheriff's Office when the incident occurred and has worked for the University police department for two years.
Three weeks ago, the victim contacted University Police and told them the incident happened approximately four and one half years ago.
University Police Chief Jimmy Williamson initiated an internal investigation and notified the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Oglethorpe County Sheriff Mike Smith.
University Police and GBI agents jointly investigated the victim's claims during the past 20 days, Williamson said. The GBI charged Anderson, and investigators are probing to determine if Anderson used his position as a police officer to make contact with the female. Additional charges may be filed, Williamson said.
"There is no reason for us to believe that he engaged in any criminal activity while employed with the University Police Department," Williamson said. "But we have to make sure our employees follow the law, including pre and post employment."
Investigators still are working on the specific details of the case, said Mike Ayers, assistant special agent for the Athens GBI.
"I'm not prepared to go into a lot of detail about how we got where we are in investigations," he said. "It's still an active, ongoing case, and we're still interviewing people and gathering information."
Brian Anderson, 26, of Oglethorpe County, was arrested Tuesday and charged with child molestation, aggravated child molestation and violating his oath of office. Anderson worked for the Oglethorpe County Sheriff's Office when the incident occurred and has worked for the University police department for two years.
Three weeks ago, the victim contacted University Police and told them the incident happened approximately four and one half years ago.
University Police Chief Jimmy Williamson initiated an internal investigation and notified the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Oglethorpe County Sheriff Mike Smith.
University Police and GBI agents jointly investigated the victim's claims during the past 20 days, Williamson said. The GBI charged Anderson, and investigators are probing to determine if Anderson used his position as a police officer to make contact with the female. Additional charges may be filed, Williamson said.
"There is no reason for us to believe that he engaged in any criminal activity while employed with the University Police Department," Williamson said. "But we have to make sure our employees follow the law, including pre and post employment."
Investigators still are working on the specific details of the case, said Mike Ayers, assistant special agent for the Athens GBI.
"I'm not prepared to go into a lot of detail about how we got where we are in investigations," he said. "It's still an active, ongoing case, and we're still interviewing people and gathering information."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 4
FireAdamsNOW!
posted 8/16/07 @ 5:45 PM EST
I really hope the media don't dwell on this too long. I am EMBARRESSED by these cops wearing the UGA logo. First one of these officers gets fired for being a drunk, now a pedophile? Where do they find these people? It's hard to justify arresting our football players for minor traffic offenses, when you are accused of a crime even worst. (Continued…)
SecretAgentMan
posted 9/10/07 @ 11:03 PM EST
This is sad. Imagine you are a rape victim and you are giving your statement to a police officer that you've placed your trust in, yet that police officer is a sex fiend that gets off having sex with a 15 year old. (Continued…)
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