UPDATE published on Oct. 31, 2025 @ 3 p.m.
After AccessWDUN reported that former Glynn County police chief John Powell was sworn in as Flowery Branch Police’s deputy chief, new information reveals Powell was under investigation by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council.
In a phone call to POST, they confirmed that the investigation into Powell has been completed, and a subcommittee will hear his case in January before making a recommendation.
It can drag out if Powell objects to the recommendation, but the full council will eventually hear the case.
The investigative report is reviewed by POSTs Probable Cause Committee (PCC). The PCC’s recommendations can include revocation of certification, suspension of certification, and probation among other sanctions.
POST’s investigation stems from Powell being fired from his role as Glynn County police chief in early 2021 10 months after he was placed on leave following an indictment.
That indictment was due to what prosecutors called an illegal effort to cover up a narcotics officer’s affair with a confidential informant.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Original story published on Oct. 30, 2025 @ 2:22 p.m.
After the Flowery Branch Police Department (FBPD) announced that former Glynn County police chief John Powell was sworn in as deputy chief, the city has released a statement regarding the decision.
“The City of Flowery Branch is pleased to announce the appointment of John Powell as the new Deputy Chief of Police,” the release stated. “This decision follows a thorough and comprehensive vetting process, conducted in accordance with city policy.”
The city noted Powell’s experience, citing that he has been a certified law enforcement officer since 1984 and holds a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Powell was fired from his role as Glynn County police chief in early 2021 10 months after he was placed on leave following an indictment.
That indictment was due to what prosecutors called an illegal effort to cover up a narcotics officer’s affair with a confidential informant.
FBPD Police Chief Christopher Hulsey also chimed in on the decision.
“I have dedicated my life for the last 19 years serving the citizens of Flowery Branch and the men and women that make up our police department,” Hulsey said. “I have worked tirelessly to make our community safer and a great place to work. I believe the hiring of Deputy Chief Powell will help make this department even better.”
The city said the selection process was conducted with “great care” and “transparency.”
‘I have conducted many interviews, including with John and those who have worked alongside him throughout his 40 years of service, along with an extensive background check,” Hulsey said. “It was clear that his reputation for fairness and integrity made him the right choice to help guide our department forward.”
It is important to note that the Georgia Supreme Court threw out that previously mentioned indictment in 2024.
Powell was placed on administrative leave in February of 2020 just days after Ahmaud Arbery was fatally shot. Powell’s department did not make any arrests at the time, and arrests only came when the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) took over the case more than two months later.
The former charges against Powell were unrelated to the department’s handling of the Arbery case.
At the end of the release, the city encouraged “interested or concerned residents” to seek verified information through “official channels.”
“We welcome Deputy Chief Powell to his new role and look forward to the positive impact of his leadership,” the city concluded.
The post UPDATE: New FBPD Deputy Chief to have hearing before POST Council in 2026 appeared first on AccessWdun.
