Officer accused of sexually assaulting person in custody is fired, Georgia officials say
A Georgia officer is out of a job following his arrest on sexual assault and sodomy charges, according to investigators.
Former Jesup Police Department officer Steven Wright, 30, turned himself into the Wayne County Jail on Tuesday.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation booked Wright on a count of aggravated sodomy, sexual assault against a person in custody and violation of oath of office, state officials said.
The agency, at the request of Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney Jackie Johnson, launched an investigation into a sexual misconduct complaint leveled against the officer last month. Their investigation revealed Wright had “engaged in nonconsensual sexual contact” with a someone under his authority at the time, authorities said.
Shortly after his arrest, Jesup police announced that Wright’s employment had been terminated.
“Chief [Mike] Lane states his department works very hard to hold officers to a high standard and this form of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” a statement posted on the department’s Facebook page reads. “The Jesup Police Department will continue to serve the citizens of Wayne County in a professional and respectful manner.”
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing and encouraged anyone with information to contact the GBI at 912-729-6198.