Woodbury, Meriwether County, GA (May 3, 2024) – The GBI has arrested and charged Jerald Rafferzeder, age 57, of Forsyth, Monroe County, Georgia, with Theft by Taking. On January 31, 2024, the Woodbury Police Department asked the GBI to investigate allegations that Rafferzeder, the former Interim Woodbury Police Chief, stole police equipment from the Woodbury Police Department. 

The investigation shows that following Rafferzeder’s separation from employment as the interim Police Chief for the Woodbury Police Department, Rafferzeder stole a department issued tactical vest, valued at over $1,500.  

Rafferzeder was booked into the Meriwether County Jail.   

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI’s regional investigative office in Columbus at 706-565-7888.  Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app. 

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Meriwether County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Contact

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Deanna Jury

[email protected]