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By Editor Becky Watts
ZEBULON - A second arrest has been made in relation to the case against Molena Police Chief Jim Roberts. Adam Sampler, who has served as a Reserve Officer in the City of Molena in the past and was employed by the Jonesboro Police Department prior to yesterday's arrest, was arrested on by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) on October 27, 2014.
Assistant District Attorney Ben Coker advised that Sampler was interviewed by the GBI during the course of the Jim Roberts investigation. "Based on some of the things that he told GBI agents, it was discovered that he gave a false statement," Coker said. "The nature of the false statement was as to his employment with Molena PD." Click here to read more about the Roberts Investigation.
Special Agent in Charge Fred Wimberly of the GBI confirmed that Sampler was arrested yesterday and charged with one count of False Statement. This is a felony. [Read the article in refence to POST certification on the Jim Roberts page to see how Sampler's law enforcement certification could be affected by the outcome of this case.]
Sampler was held in the Spalding County Jail until he was released on a $5,000 property bond at 11:37 p.m. last night.
Sampler has served in many capacities in law enforcement in Pike and the surrounding areas. He is no longer a Reserve Officer in the City of Molena. He served as the Pike County Dive Team Commander in 2008. (The Pike County Dive Team is no longer in service here.) Sampler was also a volunteer fire fighter with Pike County Emergency Services (PCES). County Manager John Hanson advised that Adam Sampler has been suspended from the (PCES) roster at this time.
Sampler had been employed as a police officer at Jonesboro Police Department prior to yesterday's arrest. Chief Allen of Jonesboro PD advised today that Sampler has "effectively been terminated" from employment there.