McRae-Helena, Georgia-On December 2, 2015, Jacksonville, Georgia Police Chief Charles Briley and wife Ashley Briley were arrested in Telfair County in connection with an alleged theft. Ashley Briley is also a certified Georgia police officer. It is alleged that between the dates of June 1, 2015 and August 31, 2015 the Briley’s stole a newspaper collection box located in the city of Jacksonville, Georgia, and retained it at their residence to be used as a well cover. The collection box was the property of a community service organization. It is also alleged that the Briley’s lied to a GBI Agent during the course of the investigation. The Briley’s are each charged with one count of Theft by Taking, one felony count of False Statements and Writings and one felony count of Violation of Oath by Public Officer. The investigation was conducted by the GBI Regional Office in Eastman at the request of the Oconee Judicial Circuit's District Attorney Tim Vaughn.

Contact Information:

Scott Whitley –Special Agent in Charge Region 12; (478)374-6988 ; Tim Vaughn – District Attorney (478)374-3482