SMITHVILLE, GA - On Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at approximately 11:30 a.m., James C. Cooper, age 34, was arrested by Special Agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and investigators with the Sumter County Sherriff’s Department for “Violation of Oath by Public Officer”.   The GBI was requested by District Attorney Plez Hardin of the Southwest Judicial Circuit to assist in an investigation regarding possible criminal misconduct by Cooper.  Cooper has been employed as a Correctional Officer for approximately five years.

Cooper had been suspected of transporting contraband across guard lines at the Sumter County Correctional Institution.  During the investigation a search warrant was executed at Cooper’s residence, 175-F Beauchamp Road, in Smithville, Georgia.  This investigation is ongoing and more charges may be forthcoming.  Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the GBI at 229-931-2439.

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Contact Information:

GBI Americus - 229-931-2439

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