GWINNETT COUNTY, GA — A former high-ranking Gwinnett County employee has been arrested following an investigation into the alleged diversion of county funds.
James Smith, 68, who previously served as the Deputy Director of Infrastructure and Operations within the county’s Department of Information Technology, was taken into custody on Tuesday, according to the Gwinnett County Police Department (GCPD).
The investigation began on May 15, after the Gwinnett County Treasury Division reported suspicious activity involving a vendor payment. Authorities allege Smith altered financial documents to reroute county funds.
He has been formally charged with:
Computer Theft
Computer Forgery
Criminal Attempt to Commit Theft by Taking
Gwinnett County Administrator Glenn Stephens addressed the situation in a statement:
“We are deeply troubled by the recent discovery of potential financial misconduct involving a former Gwinnett County employee. We are committed to transparency and accountability and are fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation. To preserve the integrity of the process, we will refrain from further comment.”
The investigation is ongoing, and additional details may be released as the case develops.
