Former Sheriff's Deputy Pleads Guilty To Theft Charge

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A former deputy with the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office has pleaded guilty to allegations she lied about requesting time off for military training when she was no longer an active service member.

Brittany Leah Martin, 27, on March 13 pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor theft by deception and was sentenced to 12 months probation.

While on probation, Martin cannot consume alcoholic beverages or use any narcotic or illegal drugs not prescribed to her, occupy a home where alcohol or illegal drugs are present, possess any firearms or weapons or occupy a home or vehicle where those items are present.

She also has to perform 80 hours of community service.

Additionally, she is barred from applying for and working with any law enforcement agency in the United States, and must voluntarily surrender, or not contest or appeal, the revocation of her P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certification even after she completes her sentence.

In November, Martin was indicted by a Cherokee County grand jury on one count each of theft by deception and violation of oath by public officer charges.

According to the indictment, Martin “unlawfully obtained” $1,824.37 from the county when she said she was attending military training “when said accused was in fact absent from work for personal reasons and not under orders from the military.”

The indictment also says Martin allegedly violated her oath of office when she provided “false information to said accuser’s employer regarding orders for military duty to receive military pay from Cherokee County” she was not entitled to.

Sheriff’s office spokesperson Lt. Jay Baker previously told Patch that Martin, who was hired in June 2009 and assigned to the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center, submitted the request for leave, which the agency granted.

However, she was no longer an active member of the military, Baker stated. The agency learned of the discrepancy and launched its investigation in November 2013. Martin was subsequently fired on Dec. 6, 2013.

Photo: Brittany Leah Martin. Credit: Cherokee Sheriff’s Office