BALDWIN, Ga. — A former assistant police chief in Baldwin has been arrested and charged following an investigation into missing funds from the department’s evidence room, authorities said.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced the arrest of Justin Ferguson, 41, of Clarkesville. Ferguson faces felony charges of theft by taking and violation of oath of office.

The investigation began on April 7, when the Baldwin Police Department requested assistance from the GBI regarding discrepancies involving funds stored in the department’s evidence room. According to officials, Ferguson served as the primary custodian of the evidence room and was responsible for handling its contents.

Investigators allege that Ferguson was responsible for the missing funds, though authorities have not yet disclosed the total amount involved.

Ferguson was taken into custody and booked into the Habersham County Detention Center.

Officials say the investigation remains active. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI’s Regional Investigative Office in Cleveland.

Once the investigation is complete, the case will be turned over to the Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.