Two Macon sheriff's deputies fired

The Macon County Sheriff's Office terminated two deputies over the last two weeks, one for alleged misuse of the office's Flock Safety system and one following an arrest by the Cherokee Indian Police Department on domestic violence charges. Jonathan Bean News of the first termination came in a press release from the office, which said, "On Friday, October 16, the Macon County Sheriff's Office received information from a creditable outside agency regarding the possible misuse of the License Plate Reader (LPR) system by an employee of the Sheriff's Office. Upon receiving this information and after careful review, the deputy was immediately placed on administrative leave, and an internal investigation was initiated." An internal affairs investigation was conducted and Sheriff Brent Holbrooks terminated the employment of Deputy Jonathan Bean. Chief Deputy Dereck Jones confirmed the single incident in question took place over two years ago and is outside the statute of limitations for a misdemeanor. Jones did not offer additional details related to the case, saying the incident was still under investigation. Jones said the incident was unexpected and took place even though the office had set up precautions to prevent Flock cameras from being misused, but that the problem has been dealt with. The Sheriff's Office's contract with Flock Safety was terminated this July by the Macon County Board of Commissioners. Jones wanted to assure the public the Sheriff's Office is "taking the proper measures, that this is being looked into, and that it showed that we have a zero-tolerance policy" for misuse of Flock cameras. "The Macon County Sheriff's Office takes the appropriate use of its technology and resources seriously. Misuse of any kind will not be tolerated, and all allegations of misconduct will be addressed promptly and appropriately," the release said. "The Macon County Sheriff's Office remains committed to maintaining public trust, accountability, and the integrity of its operations." David Blanton The second incident involved Deputy David Blanton. According to a release from the Sheriff's Office, "On Thursday, October 22, 2026, Sheriff Brent Holbrooks received information from an outside law enforcement agency that a deputy of the Macon County Sheriff's Office had been named in a criminal investigation." The release state that on Oct. 23, Holbrooks was notified that criminal charges were filed against Deputy David Blanton, and he was terminated from Sheriff's Office employment. According to the Cherokee Indian Police Department, Blanton was arrested and booked on Oct. 23, charged with domestic violence and dating violence [a single charge], harassment and telephone harassment. Blanton was not in custody as of Monday, Oct. 26, but the Cherokee Indian Police Department did not return a request for comment from the Press. Response Following the two dismissals, County Manager Warren Cabe issued an official statement supporting law enforcement but that they must be held "to the highest standard." In the recorded statement posted on Facebook, Cabe said, "Our local law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect the residents, businesses and visitors of Macon County. Their sacrifices do not go unnoticed and county administration stands fully behind the men and women who serve our community with honor, courage and distinction." "However, the immense authority granted to law enforcement requires an equally immense commitment to professional and moral integrity. True support for law enforcement means holding them to the highest standard," Cabe said. "County administration will not tolerate, excuse or look the other way regarding unscrupulous behavior, systemic misconduct, actions that violate county policy or breach ethical standards. Any behavior that contradicts our policies will be brought to the appropriate authority for investigation with the directive to hold individuals accountable for their actions."

Two Macon sheriff's deputies fired

Contact Us