A former Walker County Sheriff’s Office deputy is facing five criminal charges following a Georgia Bureau of Investigation inquiry into allegations that he improperly accessed confidential criminal history records and distributed evidence from ongoing investigations.

The GBI announced Friday, October 23, that 33-year-old Amadou Diaw of LaFayette had been arrested and charged with unauthorized disclosure of criminal history record information, computer theft, computer trespass, violation of oath of office and misdemeanor obstruction.

According to the GBI, the investigation began September 30, when the Walker County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from state investigators after allegations surfaced that Diaw had misused the Georgia Crime Information Center system to obtain criminal history information without authorization.

The Georgia Crime Information Center maintains criminal justice records used by law enforcement agencies throughout the state. The system provides authorized personnel with access to criminal histories and other sensitive information used in criminal investigations.

GBI agents investigating the allegations determined that Diaw had illegally accessed and obtained criminal history information through the state system.

Investigators also discovered that Diaw had distributed body camera footage and photographs from active criminal investigations. The GBI did not identify the investigations involved or disclose who received the material.

Following the investigation, Diaw was arrested Thursday, October 22, and booked into the Walker County Jail.

The five charges include offenses related to unauthorized access to protected computer records, improper disclosure of criminal history information and alleged misconduct while serving as a law enforcement officer.

The GBI says the investigation remains active and ongoing. Once the investigation is completed, the case will be turned over to the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Investigators are asking anyone with additional information about the case to contact the GBI Tipline at 1-800-597-8477. Tips may also be submitted through the GBI’s website or the See Something, Send Something mobile application.

Diaw is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.