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Poulan police chief suspended

J.D. Sumner

POULAN — Poulan’s top police official has been suspended after officials say she may have used her power as police chief to snoop on a City Council member.

Angie Schlosser has been suspended with pay pending a full investigation into an alleged incident where she ran a background check on Councilman Van Jones, Poulan City Attorney Tommy Coleman said.

Coleman said that the investigation stems from an incident on Oct. 10 in which Schlosser reportedly did a background check on Jones, who she said had applied for a position as a police officer.

The City Council will meet in a called, closed-door meeting today at 5 p.m. to discuss what further action, if any, will be taken against Schlosser, Coleman said.

Coleman said that earlier this week Poulan Mayor Dusty Grubbs placed Schlosser on administrative leave.

In addition to repercussions suffered professionally, Coleman said that criminal charges could be filed by Tift Judicial Circuit District Attorney Paul Bowden.

“This is a pretty serious accusation,” Coleman said. “Criminally, it’s a felony punishable by two years in jail, $5,000 in fines or both.”

Coleman declined comment on what evidence city officials had that Schlosser may have inappropriately researched Jones’ background, but did say that preliminary findings would be presented during the meeting.

“The council could decide to do nothing or they could suspend her or fire her, depending on the wishes of the group,” Coleman said.

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