The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The chief of the East Ellijay Police Department was arrested Monday on charges that he faked an accident report for a friend and, in a separate case, offered to destroy a drunken-driving citation in exchange for sexual favors, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
GBI spokesman John Bankhead said Chief Larry Seabolt was charged with committing insurance fraud, making false statements and violating his oath of office. His arrest came after a month-long investigation that began with allegations to the local prosecutor about criminal misconduct by Seabolt, Bankhead said.
According to the charges, Seabolt produced a false report so that Steve West, who also was arrested Monday on similar charges, could collect on his insurance policy enough funds to repair damage from an accident that allegedly was the result of his drinking.
But then the investigation into the Seabolt-West allegation turned up another case of potentially criminality by the chief. Seabolt also is accused of offering to help a woman who was charged with driving under the influence in exchange for her affections.