GBI Arrests Former Cartersville Police Department Officer

Bartow County, GA (September 25, 2026) – The GBI has arrested and charged Donna Jean Kelley, age 61, of Cartersville, GA, with Violation of Oath, First Degree Forgery, and Felony Theft by Taking.

On May 27, 2026, the Cartersville Police Department (CPD) requested the GBI to investigate missing money from the Cartersville Police Department evidence room. During the investigation, agents determined that Kelley stole money from the CPD evidence room while employed with the CPD as an officer and evidence custodian.

Kelley was booked into the Bartow County Jail on September 24, 2026.

Anyone with information about this investigation is encouraged to contact the GBI’s Regional Investigative Office in Calhoun at (706) 624-1424. 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 Bartow County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.