Get notified by email when this case is updated.
Written by K. Bishop
Published January 13, 2023 @ 5:07 PM ET
Chatham County (January 10, 2023) – A Chatham County Sheriff’s Office employee was arrested, terminated, and remains in protective custody after being charged with drug trafficking and possession of fentanyl following an investigation by the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team and the sheriff’s office criminal investigation unit.
Georgette Ruthielee Bennett, 26, was identified by Chatham County Chief Deputy Gary Taylor during a press conference Wednesday. Taylor confirmed Bennett smuggled fentanyl into the Chatham County Detention Center using styrofoam drink cups with ice covering the contraband. John Sarhartt, director of the counter narcotics team, says Bennett has been placed in protective custody for her safety.
Bennett’s supplier, identified as Montez Wade, 29, has also been arrested. The investigation began on December 21 after the sheriff’s office received tips from employees regarding Bennett, who began her career with the sheriff’s office on May 31.
She was still on her probationary period at the time of the investigation. “One of my employees has been arrested for drugs and smuggling into the jail,” Sheriff John Wilcher said, adding that the sheriff’s office tries to hire the best but evidently “…got a bad egg.” Chief Deputy Taylor called it a “sad day for law enforcement.”
Bennett was booked into the same jail where she was formerly employed. She is charged with possession with intent to distribute, drug trafficking, giving prohibited items to inmates, and possession of a weapon while committing a felony.
Sheriff Wilcher stated that the actions of one officer do not reflect the values and service of the sheriff’s office and expressed a commitment to the safety, security, and well-being of the staff and inmates of the Chatham County Detention Center.
Get notified by email when this case is updated.