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Georgia police chief arrested in newspaper box theft

Jacksonville, Georgia's police chief and his wife were arrested, charged with stealing a newspaper collection box.
Jacksonville, GA. Police Chief Charles Briley

Jacksonville, Georgia's police chief and his wife were arrested and charged with stealing a newspaper collection box.

According to a news release from the G-B-I, officers arrested Charles Briley and his wife Ashley today.

Mrs. Briley is also a certified police officer.

The Brileys are each charged with one count of theft by taking, one felony count of false statements and writings, and one felony count of violation of oath by public officer.

The GBI reports the Brileys took a newspaper collection box to their home, where they used it as a well cover.

Oconee circuit district attorney Tim Vaughn requested the investigation.

And it's not the first time Briley's actions were called into question. This summer, Telfair County sheriff Chris Steverson began questioning whether Jacksonville's chief was operating a speed trap.

In two months, Steverson received more than 80 calls about high-price speeding tickets in the town, all issued by Briley. The Department of Public safety is still investigating the matter.

Bond was set today and the Brileys both bonded out of jail this afternoon.

No word yet on a first appearance for the Brileys.

Jacksonville is in Telfair County, and is about 2 hours southeast of Macon.

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