Former Jasper police officer arrested, GBI says
JASPER, Ga. - A former Jasper police officer has been arrested and charged following a Georgia Bureau of Investigation probe into an encounter with a man while the officer was on duty.
What we know:
The GBI arrested 31-year-old John Massey of Jasper on two counts of simple battery and one count each of criminal trespass, false imprisonment and violation of oath of office.
Investigation began after March incident
What they're saying:
According to the GBI, Massey responded to a call about a man disturbing the peace on March 25.
Investigators said Massey encountered the man at the location of the call and entered his home. A physical altercation then occurred between Massey and the man, according to the GBI.
The Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office asked the GBI on May 20 to conduct an independent investigation into allegations involving Massey's conduct while working as a Jasper police officer.
The GBI did not provide additional details about what allegedly happened during the encounter or what led investigators to file charges.
Former officer booked into jail
What's next:
Massey was booked into the Pickens County Detention Center.
The investigation remains active. Once it is completed, the case will be turned over to the Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office for prosecution.
Anyone with information about the case can contact the GBI's Regional Investigative Office in Cleveland at 706-348-4866. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the GBI tip line at 1-800-597-TIPS.