PEARSON-On Friday October 3, 2008, the Atkinson County Sheriff’s Office and GBI arrested Pearson Police Officer Robert Julian “R.J.” Bennett, 28 years of age. Bennett is charged with two counts of Bribery and two counts of Theft by Extortion. Bennett was on duty at the time of his arrest.

The charges pertain to traffic stops Bennett performed on Hispanic residents of Atkinson County on September 20, 2008 and September 29, 2008 while Bennett was on duty in Pearson. Bennett is alleged to have not cited the subjects for traffic violations in exchange for money.

The investigation is still on-going; therefore no other details will be released at this time. If anyone has information pertaining to the investigation, please contact the Atkinson County Sheriff’s Office at 912-422-3611 or the GBI Douglas Office at 912-389-4103.

Contact Information:

ASAC Scott Whitley, 912-389-4103; Atkinson County Sheriff Herman Tucker - 912-422-3611