WRPD Narcotics Unit on leave as DA investigates possible misconduct

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Warner Robins’ Narcotics Investigation Unit have been put on paid administrative leave by interim Police Chief Roy Whitehead after District Attorney William Kendall began an investigation over possible misconduct April 12. The nature of the allegations has not yet been released.

According to a media release from the DA’s Office, allegations came forward to the DA on the night of Tuesday, April 11. The investigation was initiated the next morning, and WRPD was made aware shortly after.

“As soon as we were made aware of the investigation, we moved swiftly to place the NIU on administrative leave,” Whitehead said. “We take these matters very seriously, and we will ensure that the appropriate actions will be taken as a result should the district attorney find any wrongdoing.”

The entire six-member team is being investigated by the DA’s office, with the help of the GBI. The scope of the investigation, Kendall said, may be limited to just a few of the NIU.

“I think it’s solely contained to a couple members of the NIU,” Kendall said. “[The investigation] is moving quickly. We’re determined and deliberate about what we do and how quickly we do it.

“Knowing that there’s people on administrative leave and not everybody involved could be said to have been a bad actor or had any knowledge of it, we’re trying to work quickly to determine whether or not there are bad actors, and also whether or not folks can be cleared and put back to work.”

Kendall said that the investigation may take a few more weeks before coming to fruition, and if evidence is found proving any allegations to be truth, the trial will be taken to a grand jury. At that point, the officers in questions will be notified and allowed to testify on their own behalf, and be made subject to cross examination from the DA’s office.

“Right now there’s no charges pending against anybody, we don’t have a grand jury date scheduled to hear this case; we will investigate before we make allegations of our own. Right now we’re just looking into allegations from a third patty and trying to make heads or tails of what’s going on.”

Finally, Kendall assured the community that despite is history as a police officer, he is determined to do his constitutional duty.

“That is to hold people accountable for their wrong-doing,” Kendall said. “If we find out that the allegations are true, we’ll certainly present something to the grand jury and let them make a decision whether or not this case proceeds forward. If the allegations can’t be substantiated, we’ll still refer that back to the police chief and let them determine whether or not there was policy violations and allow them to have our case file.”

This investigation is ongoing. As more information becomes available, you can read about it in the Houston Home Journal.

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