Euharlee Police Chief, Assistant Chief Charged With Theft

The two leaders of the Euharlee Police Department have found themselves on the other side of the law.

That’s according to a press release from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which said Chief Terry Harget and Assistant Chief Richard Smith have been charged with theft of government funds and violation of oath of office.

Bartow County District Attorney Rosemary Greene requested the GBI conduct an investigation concerning alleged “misconduct” by the chief and assistant chief.

According to the GBI, both Harget and Smith were employed by the Bartow County School System as crossing guards in “an off duty capacity.”

The investigation revealed that Harget and Smith allegedly were being paid for performing the crossing guard assignment while also receiving on duty pay from the city.

The investigation also determined Harget was allegedly receiving pay from the school system’s police department while ”having on duty Euharlee officers perform the crossing guard duty for which Harget was being paid,” the GBI said.

Warrants were issued on Thursday for their arrests, and both men have turned themselves in at the Bartow County Jail.

Return to Patch for updates.

Photo: Terry Harget, left and Richard Smith. Credit: Bartow County Sheriff’s Office