Ex-Police Officer In Trouble Over Missing Cash From Evidence Room

A former Georgia police officer and evidence custodian has been arrested after an investigation allegedly linked her to the theft of money from a police department’s evidence room.

According to Bush Radio Academy, 61-year-old Donna Jean Kelley of Cartersville was arrested on September 24 and charged with violation of oath, first-degree forgery and felony theft by taking.

The investigation began on May 27 after the Cartersville Police Department contacted the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to investigate money reported missing from its evidence room.

The GBI said its agents subsequently determined that Kelley allegedly stole money from the evidence room while she was employed by the Cartersville Police Department as a police officer and evidence custodian.

However, investigators did not disclose the exact amount of money allegedly taken or provide details on how Kelley was linked to the missing funds. Authorities also did not specify what documents or items were allegedly forged in connection with the case.

Kelley was booked into the Bartow County Jail on September 24 following her arrest. She is facing charges of violation of oath, first-degree forgery and felony theft by taking.

The charges could result in significant penalties if she is convicted. Under Georgia law, a conviction for violation of a public officer’s oath can carry a prison sentence of between one and five years.