A lieutenant with the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office has been terminated and now faces criminal charges following an investigation into allegations of unreported income from a second job and failure to perform assigned duties. Sheriff Gary Sisk announced the firing of Lieutenant Keith Cantrell in a statement released earlier today. The investigation began on February 4th after the Sheriff’s Office received a complaint alleging Cantrell received compensation for working an extra job as a Deputy Sheriff but failed to fulfill the responsibilities associated with that position. Following the complaint, Lieutenant Cantrell was placed on paid leave, and an internal investigation was launched. The following day, investigators obtained sworn statements and video evidence related to the allegations. Due to the potential criminal nature of the case, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was called in to conduct an independent investigation. Upon completion of the GBI’s investigation, Sheriff Sisk stated that it revealed Cantrell “violated his oath of office and other criminal laws.” Consequently, Cantrell was terminated from his position.

Sheriff Sisk confirmed on Thursday that GBI agents have arrested Cantrell but did not specify the exact charges. “We take all allegations of misconduct seriously and hold all employees to the highest standards of integrity and accountability,” Sheriff Sisk said in the statement. “This decision reflects our commitment to transparency and ensuring that the public has confidence in the professionalism and ethical conduct of our officers.” The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.