Cherokee County Sheriff’s Sergeant and Lieutenant Arrested Over Alleged Personal Use of License Plate Reader
Two supervisors with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office have been arrested and terminated after an internal investigation found they improperly used the agency’s Automated License Plate Reader system for reasons not connected to law enforcement.
Officials said the investigation determined the employees violated both agency policy and Georgia law by accessing or using the ALPR system for unauthorized purposes.
Two Deputies Arrested After Internal Audit
The sheriff’s office announced that Lt. Chris Bryant, 45, of Acworth, and Sgt. Mike Creeden, 35, of Cartersville, were arrested Friday following an investigation by the agency’s Real-Time Intelligence Division.
The inquiry began after the agency conducted self-initiated audits of its ALPR system. Those audits were meant to confirm that the technology was being used properly and in accordance with department policy and state law.
Audits Found Irregularities
Investigators said the audits revealed unusual activity involving three authorized users of the license plate reader system.
A follow-up investigation determined that the employees had used the system for purposes unrelated to official law enforcement duties.
Charges Filed Against Bryant and Creeden
Bryant and Creeden were each charged with one felony count of violation of oath of office and one misdemeanor count related to the prohibition on law enforcement retaining license plate data obtained from automated license plate readers.
Both men were booked into the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center and are being held on a $3,812 bond.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that both deputies have been fired.
Earlier Arrest Connected to Same Investigation
The arrests come after the June 12 arrest of Deputy Cynthia Jodesty, who faces the same charges as part of the same investigation.
Officials said the matter remains tied to the agency’s review of ALPR system use.
Sheriff Emphasizes Accountability and Public Trust
Cherokee County Sheriff Frank Reynolds said the community expects professionalism, accountability and ethical conduct from law enforcement employees.
Reynolds said maintaining public trust requires employees to follow the law, protect sensitive information and use department tools only for legitimate law enforcement purposes.
He added that he remains committed to ensuring the sheriff’s office operates with transparency, professionalism and high ethical standards.
Conclusion
The arrests of Lt. Chris Bryant and Sgt. Mike Creeden followed internal audits that uncovered alleged misuse of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office ALPR system. Both supervisors were charged, booked into jail and fired. Their arrests follow the earlier arrest of Deputy Cynthia Jodesty, who faces similar charges in the same investigation.