Ga. Firefighters, Deputies Charged with Theft of Items From Crash

Two Ga. firefighters and two deputies have been arrested in connection with a theft of items from the scene of a crash along an interstate.

The two deputies with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office were terminated, while the Augusta-Richmond County firefighters have been suspended without pay, according to WJBF. 

While working at the crash scene along I-20, the probe showed two deputies and one firefighter took items that were scattered around. Among the property taken were various cell phone covers, Bluetooth head sets and cell phone chargers, the station reported.

"...The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office immediately launched an investigation resulting in four arrests. As we’ve demonstrated in the past, we enforce the law no matter who is involved and the actions of those involved were dealt with swiftly and justly," the department's release stated.

Among those charged were Sgt. Mark Gillespie Smith, 38, a 12-year-veteran, and Deputy Wesley Harden, 32, a seven-year veteran. Both were charged with theft by taking and violation of oath of office.

Columbia County Fire Rescue Lt. Christopher D. Ganther, 41, was charged with theft by taking and giving a false statement. Firefighter Randall K. Atchison, 38, was charged with giving a false statement. 

All four men have been released from the Columbia County Detention Center on bond.