BRASELTON, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has arrested Braselton Police Chief Michael Steffman on charges that he used police technology to stalk and harass multiple people.
Steffman, 49, is charged with violation of oath by public officer, stalking, harassing communications, and multiple counts of misuse of automated license plate recognition systems, according to the GBI.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office asked the GBI to look into allegations against the chief. Investigators say their multi-month probe found that Steffman misused automated license plate readers to track and harass several individuals.
Steffman was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Jackson County Jail.
Hours before the GBI announced Steffman’s arrest, the Town of Braselton released a statement saying that Steffman had retired from the department for “personal reasons.” Town Manager Jennifer Scott has appointed Zack Tiller as Interim Chief, effective immediately.
The GBI asks anyone with information regarding this case to contact the GBI Athens Regional Investigative Office at 706-552-2309. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online through the GBI website, or via the “See Something, Send Something” mobile app.
Once the investigation is complete, investigators say the case will be turned over to the Piedmont Judicial Circuit for prosecution.
