Officer charged with obstruction loses pay

CANTON - A member of the Cobb County Police Department's SWAT team charged with making false statements and obstruction in connection with an investigation into another officer's drowning death has been suspended without pay.

Sgt. Ken Reda was originally suspended with pay as Cherokee County brought misdemeanor charges against him.

Public safety Director Mickey Lloyd says authorities have revised their decision, and that they will meet with Reda again later this week to discuss the findings of an internal investigation and his future with the department.

A dive team found Sgt. Thomas ``Brent'' Stephens' body after a search April 23. Authorities later arrested Reda, who was believed to be with Stephens when he disappeared.

Authorities also arrested 37-year-old Shelly Powell, who is accused of misleading investigators following the drowning.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2010/5/229128