The Cobb Police Department said Thursday it has arrested one of its own officers and terminated him following an investigation into what the interim chief is saying are “extremely disturbing” allegations.
Officer Aaron Wilson said in a release that Matthew Abbott has been “relieved of duty” after being taken into custody Thursday morning on charges of violating his oath of office, distribution of obscene material and public indecency.
Wilson did not provide specifics about the case, but said Cobb Police were notified by the Utah Attorney General’s Office about an investigation identifying Abbott, and that Cobb authorities then contacted the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which is conducting its own probe.
A GBI release issued late Thursday afternoon said that the charges involve child exploitation. The GBI said its probe was conducted in connection with Cobb Police and the Utah Internet Crimes Against Children’s Task Force “and led to a search warrant for Abbott’s home and his arrest.”
The GBI didn’t offer further details except to say that its investigation “is part of the ongoing effort by the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, housed within the GBI’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit, to identify those involved in the trade of child sexual abuse material.”
Abbott, 36, was arrested at his home in southwest Marietta, according to his booking report.
According to Cobb Sheriff’s Office records, Abbott was taken into custody late Thursday morning and is still being booked at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center.
Interim Cobb Police Chief Dan Ferrell said that “the allegations in this case are extremely disturbing and do not reflect the values of our department. While the legal process moves forward, the officer has been relieved of duty, and we have initiated our own internal investigation. We will follow the facts, uphold due process, and take the actions necessary to maintain the trust of our community.”
Abbott could be facing further charges, according to Wilson, who said Cobb Police have turned over all investigative duties to the GBI “to ensure a fair and impartial process.”
Wilson said that the Cobb Police Department “is cooperating fully with investigators to ensure accountability. We are committed to full transparency and will continue to provide updates as this investigation moves forward.”
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- KSU art professor charged with aggravated assault in NE Cobb
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