The state is taking over the investigation into why the Camden County Sheriff's office is using inmate labor to do private construction work on Cumberland Island.
Brunswick District Attorney Steven Kelley says, he's turning the matter of Sheriff Bill Smith's use of inmate labor over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. A retired doctor who lives on the remote island says, he paid Sheriff's deputies to have inmates from the county jail perform work on a project at his home.
The work is taking place without a construction permit. And it's unclear who will benefit from the work.
The matter has prompted the island's National Park Service superintendent to take voluntary leave while the Park Service investigates the matter.
Smith isn't answering questions from the media. However, District Attorney Kelley said Smith has agreed to cooperate fully.
Brunswick District Attorney Steven Kelley says, he's turning the matter of Sheriff Bill Smith's use of inmate labor over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. A retired doctor who lives on the remote island says, he paid Sheriff's deputies to have inmates from the county jail perform work on a project at his home.
The work is taking place without a construction permit. And it's unclear who will benefit from the work.
The matter has prompted the island's National Park Service superintendent to take voluntary leave while the Park Service investigates the matter.
Smith isn't answering questions from the media. However, District Attorney Kelley said Smith has agreed to cooperate fully.
