Cartersville Deputy Chief Accused Of Solicitation: Sheriff

CARTERSVILLE, GA — A Cartersville deputy police chief has been charged with soliciting a prostitute during a week-long human trafficking sting, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said during a news conference Wednesday.

Jason DiPrima, 49, of Kingston, was arrested around 11 p.m. Thursday by Polk County detectives.

DiPrima is the deputy chief of police administration for the Cartersville Police Department. Judd said he was told DiPrima has been with the department for at least 30 years and was a graduate of the FBI Academy.

The Cartersville Police Department confirmed DiPrima is on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.

He "was a well-respected police officer in town," Judd said.

According to a news release from the sheriff's office, the police department is aware of the arrest. Judd said DiPrima is suspended pending disciplinary actions.

At the time of his arrest, DiPrima was attending an American Polygraph Association Seminar/Workshop in Orlando, Florida.

According to the sheriff's office, DiPrima unknowingly attempted to solicit "full service" sex from an undercover detective, whom he met online on Aug. 31.

He replied to an online escort advertisement, asking the woman questions such as "Are you available tonight" and "What is your rate," the sheriff's office said.

DiPrima initially agreed to meet the woman for sexual activities but told the undercover detective he "got spooked," Judd said.

The next day, DiPrima contacted the woman again; this time, he agreed to meet her at an undisclosed location, according to the sheriff's office.

He originally agreed to pay the woman $120 for a half hour of sex, but offered $180 and a multi-pack of White Claw hard seltzer when he arrived at the location, the sheriff's office said. He was driving an unmarked car that is usually assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force, Judd said.

The sheriff said DiPrima told investigators he was going to watch football.

Judd said DiPrima told the undercover detective he attempted to solicit another prostitute for $200 the night before but claimed the prostitute stole the money.

DiPrima was taken to the Polk County Jail, where authorities said he posted a $500 bond at 4 a.m. Saturday.

"Come here, violate the law and we're going to put you in jail," Judd said. "We don't care who you are."