ICYMI: Former Cumming Police Officer Indicted on Bribery Charges

CUMMING, GA -- A former Cumming police officer used his position to illegally sell sensitive information, federal prosecutors say.

Nathan VanBuren, 34, has been indicted on charges of wire fraud and computer fraud, the U.S. Attorney's office in Atlanta announced.

"This former police officer allegedly used his position to access sensitive information in exchange for money," said U. S. Attorney John Horn. "This type of conduct unfortunately impairs the hard work of the police as well as the community’s trust in law enforcement."

According to the charges, VanBuren, in July 2015, responded to a 911 call at a citizen's home in Cumming. That person was arrested.

In July and August, VanBuren allegedly continued to have contact with the person who was arrested.

During those communications, VanBuren is accused of asking the person for a loan because his wages were being garnished and he had financial debt due to his son's medical and surgical expenses.

In reality, prosecutors say, VanBuren's salary was not being garnished and his son was not ill.

The citizen reported VanBuren's actions and agreed to cooperate with law enforcement.

The citizen, in cooperation with law enforcement, then gave VanBuren $5,000. During that meeting, prosecutors say, the citizen asked whether VanBuren would search a police database to see whether a particular individual was an undercover police officer.

In exchange for $1,000, VanBuren illegally accessed the database and provided the results to the citizen, prosecutors say.

VanBuren resigned before he was fired by the Cumming Police Department.

He was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 29.

"Investigations into allegations of public corruption involving police officers is a disheartening, but very necessary duty of the FBI," said J. Britt Johnson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta ield office. "People have a right to demand that their public safety officers possess integrity and a sense of fairness as they carry out their duties. The FBI asks that anyone with information regarding such matters to contact their nearest FBI field office.”

The Cumming Police Department and Forsyth County Sheriff's Office assisted the FBI with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Brown is prosecuting the case.