Yesterday, Jerry Byrd, a former Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) lieutenant, pleaded guilty in Chatham County Superior Court to one count of Theft by Taking (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2) for fraudulent fuel card purchases. Judge Louisa Abbot sentenced Byrd to five years probation, $1000.00 restitution to DJJ, 200 hours community service, and substance abuse evaluation and treatment.

An internal DJJ investigation began after a series of suspicious fuel card purchases was noticed. During the course of the investigation, Byrd confessed to 30 to 40 unauthorized fuel purchases using the fuel card. Aside from fueling his private vehicle, he also admitted to fueling the cars of drug dealers in exchange for cocaine.

Assistant Attorney General Daniel Hiatt prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Georgia. The case was investigated by Special Agent Eugene Howard from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.