Canton police sgt. investigated over custom golf cart with gun rack

CANTON, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed Friday it's opened a criminal investigation against a Canton police sergeant after allegations she misused her position to steal money.

In a letter obtained by Channel 2's Mike Petchenik, Canton Police Chief Robert C. Merchant, Jr. requested an investigation into Sergeant Stacy Bailey and former Sandy Springs Captain Scott Jamison, who retired last month.  In Merchant's letter he claims the two were romantically involved.

"They were willing participants and taking monies from the Canton Police Explorers was done under false pretenses and should be considered criminal in nature," Merchant's letter stated.

At issue was the purchase of a golf cart for more than $6,000 from Superior Motorsports in Woodstock, which included customizations, such as a gun rack, stereo and special wheels. It was purchased for Jamison's disabled son.

"The fact that additional monies were spent to customize the golf cart is indefensible and resulted in additional funds being unlawfully taken from Canton Police Explorers," said the letter.

Friday, the GBI told Petchenik its Canton office had opened a criminal investigation into the chief's allegations against Bailey of theft by deception. 

Merchant told Channel 2 Action News he's suspended Bailey with pay.  Jamison, a one-time commander of the Sandy Springs SWAT team, retired in July.  The letter states that Sandy Springs Police Chief Terry Sult agreed the GBI should investigate.

WSBTV