Quitman, GA: GBI charges police chief with theft by taking

Credit: Danny / Any County News · Source: GBI news release, Oct. 15, 2026.

QUITMAN, GA - The GBI has arrested and charged Quitman Police Chief Lawrence McGee with one count of felony theft by taking and one count of violation of oath of office.

According to the GBI, the Brooks County Sheriff's Office asked it on Feb. 3, 2026, to investigate a theft allegation. The GBI says that in January 2026 the Quitman Police Department received a donated handgun meant for a raffle at a regional traffic enforcement meeting, and alleges McGee kept the gun for himself and never included it in the raffle.

A Brooks County grand jury returned an indictment. McGee was arrested Oct. 14 and booked into the Brooks County Jail; CBS News Atlanta reports he has since been released on bond. The case was turned over to the Southern Circuit District Attorney's Office. WALB reports the chief was placed on administrative leave, and the city says police services continue under the next-ranking officer.

Charges are allegations; McGee is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Sources: GBI; CBS News Atlanta; WALB. Photos: Wikimedia Commons file photos of Quitman and the GBI.

Charged, not convicted.

Sources: GBI news release, Oct. 15, 2026 · CBS News Atlanta, Oct. 15, 2026 · WALB

Images: Wikimedia Commons file photos of Quitman City Hall, the Brooks County Courthouse, downtown Quitman and GBI headquarters. No AI-generated images.

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