The Dade County Jail’s former administrator was arrested following allegations he used county funds for personal purchases, officials said.
Joseph William Chambers, 52, of Flintstone, turned himself in Thursday, the same day state investigators issued two arrest warrants, according to a Dade County Sheriff’s Office press release. He’s charged with theft by conversion and violation of oath by a public officer.
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The press release said it was discovered that Chambers had made concerning purchases in the past, prompting Chief Deputy Tommy Bradford to request help from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation on May 28.
On June 1, Bradford terminated Chambers’ employment after learning the state’s preliminary findings, the press release said. The Sheriff’s Office said no further information regarding the state probe would be released at this time.
The state investigators said once their work is complete, the case file will be given to the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, which serves Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade and Walker counties, for prosecution.
The Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Capt. Chad Payne, said by email that Chambers was employed with the office since 2008.
A Superior Court judge set Chambers’ bond at $500, Payne said. Low bonds are typical for people who turn themselves in, Payne said, as they typically aren’t considered a flight risk.
He said he couldn’t give any additional information about the investigation, simply because it is an active investigation for another agency, and the Sheriff’s Office does not share information about other agencies’ investigations.
“This one was a hard one to swallow,” Payne said. “It’s never easy when it’s one of our own, but I guess life isn’t always easy.”
Sara Lue, a GBI spokesperson, said by email that because the investigation is pending, no additional information can be shared beyond the press release.
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Dade County Sheriff Ray Cross and his secretary did not answer an email by deadline asking several questions, including the cost and description of the personal items Chambers is accused of purchasing.
Contact courts reporter Mason Edwards at medwards@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6409.