GBI Makes Arrest in Lavonia Volunteer Fire Department Theft Investigation

UPDATE:

Lavonia, GA (June 1, 2020) – On Monday, June 1, 2020, the GBI arrested Shane Bentley, 41, of Lavonia, GA for four counts of felony theft by taking. The arrest was the result of an investigation concerning unauthorized purchases made with Lavonia city funds. Bentley, who served as the assistant chief of the Lavonia Volunteer Fire Department, purchased several equipment items that were not for the use of the Volunteer Fire Department. Bentley turned himself in to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office without incident.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Lavonia, GA (May 20, 2020) – On Wednesday, May 20, 2020, the Lavonia Police Department requested the Athens GBI office to investigate this matter after city officials discovered unusually high expenditures by the Lavonia Volunteer Fire Department. Those expenditures took place over the course of several months. Several of those purchases were unaccounted for and not made specifically for the fire department.