Updated with information from the GBI
GBI Arrests Former Dade County Jail Commander for Theft by Conversion and Violation of Oath by Public Officer
On June 4, 2026, Chambers was booked into the Dade County Jail.
This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI’s Regional Investigative Office in Calhoun at (706) 624-1424. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
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Former Dade County Jail Administrator Arrested Following GBI Investigation
TRENTON, GA — A former Dade County Jail administrator has been arrested following an investigation into financial records at the Dade County Jail.
According to a statement released by the Dade County Sheriff’s Office, Chief Deputy Tommy Bradford requested the assistance of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation on May 28 after concerning purchases made by former Jail Administrator Joseph Chambers were discovered during a review of jail financial records.
Sheriff’s officials said Chambers was terminated from his position on June 1 after Chief Deputy Bradford was informed of preliminary findings from the investigation.
The GBI subsequently obtained two arrest warrants for Chambers on June 4. Authorities say Chambers turned himself in to the Dade County Jail later that same day.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Chambers has been charged with:
- Theft by Conversion (O.C.G.A. 16-8-4)
- Violation of Oath by a Public Officer (O.C.G.A. 16-10-1)
Officials emphasized that the case remains under active investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, the Sheriff’s Office said no additional details will be released at this time.
The Sheriff’s Office also stated that the GBI is preparing a separate news release regarding the investigation and that additional information may be released as the case progresses.
No further details about the alleged purchases or the amount of money involved have been released.
The investigation remains ongoing.