A Dawson County sheriff’s deputy faces criminal charges following a GBI investigation.
State investigators charged Lt. Ethan Blake Taffar of Dawsonville with one count of distribution of a Schedule II controlled substance and violating his oath of office. Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson says Taffar turned himself in to the county jail Friday.
Taffar, 34, was assigned to the sheriff’s office patrol component. Sheriff Johnson says that on March 21, his office was made aware of allegations against Taffar. After conducting a preliminary internal review, the sheriff asked the GBI to investigate. At that time, Taffar was placed on administrative leave.
GBI agents say they found evidence that Taffar illegally provided a Schedule II drug to another person at the end of his shift at the sheriff’s office. Following Taffar’s arrest, Sheriff Johnson issued a statement expressing “great disappointment” at the situation.
“We understand that news like this affects public trust, and we want to ensure our community that we do not take this lightly,” Johnson said. “While the actions of one individual do not represent the values of our agency as a whole, we will continue working to uphold the highest standards our community expects and deserves.”
Sheriff Johnson says employment termination proceedings against Taffar began on April 11, the day of his arrest. According to the GBI, the investigation is ongoing.
