Clayton County Police Officer Charged with Federal Corruption, Narcotics, and Firearms Violations and Stealing from Motorists

JONATHAN S. CALLAHAN, 27, of Atlanta, a patrol officer with the Clayton County Police Department, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of accepting money to use his law enforcement position to protect illegal drug transactions, possessing a stolen firearm, and stealing personal property from drivers during traffic stops. CALLAHAN made an initial appearance today before United States Magistrate Judge C. Christopher Hagy.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, “As a police officer, Officer Callahan took an oath to serve and protect the public. Instead, he abandoned that oath and used his position to protect drug dealers and steal from the citizens he was sworn to protect. Fortunately, thousands of dedicated law enforcement officers in Northern Georgia work tirelessly and honorably to keep us safe. We owe it to each of them to vigorously prosecute those who violate their oath and break the law.”

FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Lamkin said, “The egregious acts such as those alleged in the indictment of Officer Callahan can often erode the public’s trust in its law enforcement officers, noting that law enforcement officers are expected to serve and protect the public, not prey on them. It is for this reason that the FBI places a high priority on such investigations. The FBI asks that anyone with information regarding public corruption matters contact its Atlanta FBI Office at (404) 679-9000.”

Clayton County Police Department Interim Chief Timothy R. Robinson said, “When I was named Interim Chief, I was tasked with bringing leadership and direction to the department in order to achieve and maintain organizational discipline and professionalism. The actions alleged in this indictment are despicable. Officer Callahan was sworn to uphold the law, not break it. This case serves as a reminder that no one is above the law. I have no tolerance for officer misconduct and will continue to hold all members of the Clayton County Police Department to the highest standards. Simply stated, officer misconduct will not be tolerated.”

According to United States Attorney Yates, the indictment and information presented in court: On three separate occasions between August 6-13, 2010, CALLAHAN, while on duty, was paid to aid and abet others in possessing with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine. The indictment further charges that on July 15, 2010, CALLAHAN, while on duty as a patrol officer, allegedly stole two firearms from a motorist CALLAHAN had stopped for a traffic violation. The next day, again while on duty, CALLAHAN stole United States currency from another driver who was also stopped for a traffic violation. The indictment alleges that both thefts violated the drivers’ constitutional right to be free from an unreasonable seizure by a police officer. The indictment also charges that on August 17, 2010, CALLAHAN was in possession of a stolen firearm.

Each charge of attempting to aid and abet others in possessing with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000. Each charge of accepting money to use his law enforcement position to protect illegal drug transactions carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to 250,000. The charge of possession of a stolen firearm carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Each charge of deprivation of civil rights by stealing property from a driver carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government's burden to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Clayton County Police Department.

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