GBI arrests former Hall deputy on theft charge

GAINESVILLE - A former deputy with the Hall County Sheriff's Office faces charges of misdemeanor theft by taking and violation of oath of office, according to the Hall County Sheriff's Office.

"It was actually a residential air handler, metal air handler that was taken," Sheriff's Deputy Nicole Bailes said.

According to a sheriff's office news release, Joel Clifton Ayers, 35, turned himself in at the Hall County Jail Friday and was released on $4000 bond. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation obtained arrest warrants for Ayers on Thursday.

Ayers served as a deputy under the jail division until his termination Thursday. According to the sheriff's office, Ayers worked for the department between January of 2005 and September of 2011. He took a stint away from office and was re-hired to oversee inmates on work details in April of 2012, according to the release.

"Law Enforcement Officers, like any other citizen, are bound by the laws of our society. These types of incidents are the exception among a department of excellent officers and criminal misconduct, by anyone, will not be overlooked or downplayed," Sheriff Gerald Couch said in the release.

The GBI continues to investigate the case. Efforts to reach Ayers for comment were not immediatly successful.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2014/3/273078