GAINESVILLE, GA— A former sheriff’s deputy was arraigned in federal court for accepting bribes and possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute marijuana, officials announced last week.
David M. Treadwell, 33, a Hall County Deputy Sheriff, was indicted by a federal grand jury last week.
“When a police officer becomes the exception and betrays his badge to protect criminals and promote crime, he undermines the dedication and sacrifices of his fellow officers that allow our citizens to trust and respect law enforcement,” said Acting United States Attorney John A. Horn.
Adding,“This case unfortunately follows too closely on the heels of other instances of police corruption in this district, but we are committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting these cases to ensure that people have faith and confidence in our police.”
Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch said this kind of criminal conducted would not be tolerated on the force.
“When you have a seasoned deputy sheriff who makes the conscious choice to violate his oath of office and seek illegal financial gain it must be dealt with expeditiously,” said Sheriff Couch.
Adding, “I will not tolerate this kind of criminal action and I am thankful for the duty-bound officers who brought these heinous activities to the forefront.”
These are the alleged facts and circumstances surround this case, according to officials
Treadwell was employed as a deputy sheriff with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.
On five occasions in late 2014, Treadwell accepted $200 or $300 from a person he believed was a drug dealer.
In exchange for the money Treadwell agreed to alert the drug dealer if Treadwell learned that the drug dealer was under investigation in Hall County.
Treadwell was terminated Friday morning, according to sheriff’s office spokeswoman Deputy Nicole Bailes. He had been with the sheriff’s office since 2007, Bailes said, and worked previously at the Gainesville Police Department.
Treadwell is presumed innocent until proven guilty.