The investigation into former Habersham County Detention Center Officer Alexander Wade Hardaway, 30, of Alto, revealed Wednesday that proceedings began based on an inmate complaint, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Preliminary information provided by the agency states that Hardaway had been "interacting with inmates in an inappropriate manner."
In addition, Hardaway reportedly made false statements to the GBI, which resulted in his arrest Monday.
Once the investigation is complete, the case will be provided to the Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office for prosecution, according to GBI spokesperson Lydia Bullard.
Original story published Monday, Oct. 2 at 1:50 p.m.:
A former Habersham County Detention Center Officer has been terminated and is facing charges following allegations of misconduct.
According to a press release from the Habersham County Public Information Office, Alexander Wade Hardaway, 30, of Alto, was arrested Monday and charged with making false statements and writings. The arrest was made in collaboration with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
“We take allegations of this nature very seriously and immediately involve the GBI to determine whether the law was broken,” said Sheriff’s Lt. Amber Chastain, who oversees the sheriff’s office detention center in Clarkesville.
Sheriff Joey Terrell said his officers must uphold the law but also hold themselves to a higher standard.
“Any breach of trust or misconduct by my personnel will not be tolerated,” Terrell said. “We terminated Hardaway’s employment effective Friday, Sept. 29, due to policy violations.”
The Habersham County Sheriff's Office said it was cooperating with GBI investigators to ensure a thorough and impartial inquiry into the matter.
"The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office remains dedicated to its mission of serving and protecting the public with integrity and professionalism," the press release said.
