Cochran officers subject of state, federal probe

The GBI and the FBI are investigating allegations of misconduct involving Cochran police officers, the GBI said Monday.

A statement from the agency gave no further details about the nature of the allegations.

Cochran Mayor Gene Towns said he was unable to comment on the investigation except to say that no officers had been arrested or suspended as of Monday.

Attempts to reach Cochran Police Chief Jon Thrower on Monday were unsuccessful.

According to the GBI, the latest allegations stemmed from a 2008 investigation of two former Cochran police officers who were working as part-time officers in Pineview, located about 30 miles south of Cochran. The officers were charged with enticing a child and interfering with custody.

One of the officers, Brent Powell, was subsequently convicted of violation of oath of office and sentenced to five years on probation, the GBI said. The second officer’s case is still being adjudicated.

The investigation is continuing.

To contact writer Phillip Ramati, call 744-4334.