06/05/2026
On May 28, Chief Deputy Tommy Bradford requested that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) examine financial records pertaining to the Dade County Jail, due to the discovery of concerning purchases being made in the past, by the former Jail Administrator.
After being informed of the preliminary findings of the investigation, Chief Deputy Bradford terminated the employment of the former Jail Administrator, Joseph Chambers, on June 1.
The GBI agent assigned to the investigation obtained two arrest warrants for Chambers on June 4, and Chambers turned himself in to the Dade County Jail, later that same day.
He was booked on one count of Theft by Conversion (OCGA 16-8-4), and one count of Violation of Oath by a Public Officer (16-10-1).
Due to this being an ongoing investigation by the GBI, the Sheriff's Office will not be releasing any further details at this time.
The GBI has advised the Sheriff's Office that it is also preparing a press release regarding this matter. We will share that release as soon as we receive it.