GBI makes arrest in Lavonia Fire Department’s misappropriated funds investigation

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has made an arrest regarding its investigation into misappropriated funds at the Lavonia Fire Department.

On Monday, June 1, the GBI arrested 41-year-old Shane Bentley, of Lavonia, for four counts of felony theft by taking.

The arrest was the result of an investigation concerning unauthorized purchases made with Lavonia city funds.

According to a release issued by the GBI, Bentley, who served as the assistant chief of the Lavonia Volunteer Fire Department, purchased several equipment items that were not for the use of the Volunteer Fire Department.

Bentley reportedly turned himself in to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office without incident.

On Wednesday, May 20, the Lavonia Police Department requested the Athens GBI office to investigate this matter after city officials discovered unusually high expenditures by the Lavonia Volunteer Fire Department.

According to Athens GBI Agent in Charge Jesse Maddox, Lavonia City Officials examined purchases made by the fire department over the past several months.

Maddox says quote “several of the expenditures appeared to be made inappropriately. The GBI was brought in to conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this matter,” end quote.

Several of those purchases were unaccounted for and not made specifically for the fire department.

Bentley currently serves as the Assistant Chief and Training Officer for the Cornelia Fire Department in Habersham County.