Cobb Police said Wednesday that two of their officers are facing criminal charges in Cherokee County involving minors.
In separate releases, Cobb Police Sgt. Eric Smith said that Officer Withman Benjamin and Officer Tyler Bertolini have been placed on administrative leave pending continuing investigations.
Smith said that Benjamin has been charged with sexual battery against a minor, and Bertolini has been charged with child cruelty.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said it arrested Benjamin, 47, of Canton, on Friday, on one count of sexual battery against a child under 16, following an investigation that began in September at the request of Canton Police.
Benjamin was booked in the Cherokee Adult Detention Center but is no longer in custody.
“The residents of Cobb County expect and deserve law enforcement officers who uphold the law and demonstrate integrity at all times, both on and off duty,” Cobb Police Chief Dan Ferrell said in a statement.
“We are committed to following the facts, respecting due process, and taking all appropriate action to maintain the trust and confidence of our community.”
Bertolini, also of Canton, turned himself in to Cherokee authorities Tuesday after being charged with two counts of cruelty to children. He is accused of using a belt against a 10-year-old boy in November, causing bruises and welts, and then pushing the child down onto a floor.
Ferrell issued a similar statement about Bertolini’s arrest, saying that “the expectation in Cobb County is clear. Our officers must uphold the law and conduct themselves with integrity, on and off duty.
“We are reviewing the facts, respecting due process, and will take appropriate action to maintain the trust of our community.”
Smith said the two cases are not related.
Related:
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