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Written by: A. Smith
Published January 16, 2026 @ 8:30 AM ET
COBB COUNTY, Ga. – Two Cobb County police officers have been arrested in separate and unrelated criminal cases involving allegations of abuse against minors, prompting renewed scrutiny of conduct within the department.
Authorities said Officer Tyler Bertolini and Officer Withman Benjamin were taken into custody on different charges stemming from incidents that occurred months apart. Both officers have been placed on administrative leave while investigations continue, according to Cobb County police. Jail records show both men have since been released on bond.
Bertolini is accused of physically abusing a 10-year-old boy during an incident on Nov. 11 at a home in Canton. According to his arrest warrant, Bertolini allegedly used a belt to whip the child on the leg five times, causing welts, bruising, noticeable discoloration, and what investigators described as excessive pain. He is charged with first-degree cruelty to children and third-degree cruelty to children.
In a separate case, Benjamin was arrested Jan. 9 and charged with one count of sexual battery involving a child under the age of 16. An arrest warrant alleges Benjamin touched a teenage girl without her consent. Further details about the circumstances of the alleged incident have not been publicly released.
Cobb County Police Chief Dan Ferrell said the department is taking the allegations seriously while emphasizing due process.
“The expectation in Cobb County is clear. Our officers must uphold the law and conduct themselves with integrity, on and off duty,” Ferrell said in a statement. “We are reviewing the facts, respecting due process, and will take appropriate action to maintain the trust of our community.”
Police have not said whether either officer remains employed pending the outcome of the investigations.
Both cases remain active.