Griffin cop cleared in wife's shooting charged with making false statements

SPALDING COUNTY, Ga. — A Griffin police officer who was investigated in his ex-wife’s shooting was charged Friday with making false statements and violating his oath after officials say he took her belongings.

Matthew Boynton allegedly deprived ex-wife Jessica Lester of her belongings and lied to the authorities about doing so, Griffin police Lt. Michael Natale said in a statement.

“It was determined that he knowingly provided a false statement relating to the property in question and his possession of (it),” Natale said in a release. Police have not stated if this stems from an April 2016 investigation into whether Boynton shot his ex-wife.

Lester was found unconscious, but breathing, with a gunshot wound to her head inside a locked room at the Ashford Place Apartments where she stayed with then-husband Boynton, Griffin police said. At the time, police thought they were responding to a suicide threat call.

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Police said Boynton was arriving at the apartment as police, fire and emergency medical services officials were showing up. Boynton told them he heard two gunshots via his department's mobile radio. Lester was flown to Atlanta Medical Center.

He was placed on administrative leave while the GBI investigated the case.

It is not known what Boynton’s status is with the Griffin Police Department following Friday’s arrest.

“While his actions are unfortunate and disappointing, tarnishing our badge, the Griffin Police Department remains dedicated to providing the best possible service to our citizens,” Natale said. “Now and in the near future the department will strive to maintain the highest professional and ethical behavior.”

No other details were released.

Cox Media Group