THOMASVILLE — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been asked to conduct an investigation into accusations about a high-ranking Thomasville Police Department officer taking a bribe.

“Because of the allegations made about Assistant Chief (Eric) Hampton, Thomasville Police Chief Troy Rich is in the process of conducting an internal investigation to determine whether any policies or procedures were violated,” a City of Thomasville spokesman said.

At the Monday, Aug. 26, city council meeting, during the citizens to be heard portion of the meeting agenda, local resident Keith Thomas alleged he paid a Thomasville Police Department assistant chief to “get rid of a ticket.”

“Eric Hampton is the assistant chief of police,” the spokesman said.

Separate from the chief’s investigation, the GBI has been requested to conduct an investigation to determine whether crimes were committed.

“During the investigation, the City of Thomasville will have no comment on the status of its internal investigation and will not comment on the separate GBI investigation,” the spokesman said. 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820