Burke County sheriff’s command staff makes sudden exit

WAYNESBORO, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Several members of the command staff at the Burke County Sheriff’s Office have resigned, News 12 has learned.

Although they resigned, News 12 got a copy of several resignation letters, which are identical except for the signee’s name and blanks that have been filled in to note the rank and date.

Each of the letters addressed to Sheriff Alfonzo Williams claims the signee submitted it “after careful consideration and personal reflection.”

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The letters go on to state:

“I have decided to pursue new opportunities and challenges in my career path. I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition during this period. I will work diligently to complete any outstanding tasks and projects (if permitted). Please let me know how I can best support the department during this transition.”

The apparently prewritten letters also state:

“I want to express my gratitude to you and the entire team at the Burke County Sheriff’s Office for the opportunity to serve the community and work alongside such dedicated individuals. I wish you and the entire department continued success.”

News 12 has confirmed the resignations of:

• Capt. James Swint
• Sgt. Cameron Hampton
• Lt. Kenneth McKenzie
• Deputy Kristopher McKenzie
• Sgt. Erik Napier

The departures come days after a former deputy, Lewis Blanchard, dropped out of the race to oppose incumbent Williams, who’s running for re-election.

Williams himself has been at the center of controversy.

He’s facing scrutiny by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. In April, News 12 asked the GBI about the nature of its investigation, and the agency replied: “The GBI handles criminal investigations which is consistent with this preliminary inquiry.”

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation also looked into training records with the Waynesboro Police Department and Williams. The GBI has given the case to District Attorney Jared Williams.

News 12′s I-TEAM has examined cases that didn’t take the usual trajectory after Williams stepped in.

Those include the disappearance of a DUI charge against a county employee and a case against businessman Gary Flakes.