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Written by: A. Smith
Published December 1, 2025 @ 11:16 AM ET
ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – A Conyers police lieutenant has been placed on administrative leave and is facing a theft charge after investigators say he used his position to obtain a donation from a local business for his own benefit.
According to the Conyers Police Department, Lt. Jesus Cadena was arrested following a Georgia Bureau of Investigation inquiry into allegations that he misappropriated donated funds from The Home Depot in Conyers.
The GBI said Cadena solicited the donation under the pretense that it was for the police department. CPD personnel later learned of the donation and confirmed the department had never requested or approved it. Investigators executed a search warrant at Cadena’s home in Gwinnett County, where they recovered the property, which had been converted for personal use, officials said.
The department requested the GBI investigation after concerns were raised internally, CPD said.
A warrant was issued for Cadena on a charge of theft by deception. He turned himself in at the Rockdale County Jail after being notified of the warrant.
In addition to the criminal case, CPD has launched an internal investigation to determine whether Cadena violated department policies. He has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome.
“We expect every member of this department to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability,” Police Chief Scott Freeman said in a statement. “When concerns emerge, we address them openly and collaborate with our state investigative partners. Our commitment is to maintain the trust of our community.”