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Liberty County cuts sheriff’s spending after investigation reveals abuse

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Liberty County is reining in Sheriff William Bowman’s spending after a WJCL 22 investigation found he spent thousands of dollars from speed zone tickets on high school sports equipment.The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Liberty County and the Sheriff’s Office was approved by a 4-2 vote at last night’s commission meeting. It sets limits on funding that didn’t exist until we started asking questions. “I’ve always been in favor of an MOU. And I’m glad we’ve finally gotten to this point,” said Commissioner Gary Gilliard.Bowman’s questionable spending was uncovered in a WJCL 22 investigation in April. We found Bowman spent $25,000 from ticket revenue on high school sports equipment. That doesn’t mention another $20,000 check to the Bradwell Institute band for their trip, which that money also appears to have been used for. The problem with that is Georgia law. It’s very clear what governments can spend the money on: law enforcement or public safety purposes. That’s all, and that’s why the agreement was necessary in the eyes of county commissioners. That’s not to say it was a unanimous decision. Two commissioners voted against it, including Commissioner Justin Frazier, who said officers should start over. The new agreement says the county now retains control of the funds. Sheriff Bowman must ask the county before using the money, and he must spend it on exactly prescribed things. All of it must be related to his deputies’ duties. Liberty County officials say Bowman can use up to 20% of the funds to pay school police officers. “I think the agreement you have before you is the best path forward for all parties, and I strongly recommend it,” said Kelly Davis, county attorney. WJCL 22 News has reached out to Bowman for comment. He has not responded to our repeated requests.

HINESVILLE, Ga. —

Liberty County is reining in Sheriff William Bowman’s spending after a WJCL 22 investigation found he spent thousands of dollars on speed zone fines for sports equipment at a high school.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Liberty County and the Sheriff’s Office was approved by a vote of 4 to 2 at last night’s commission meeting. It sets limits on funding that did not exist until we started asking questions.

“I have always been in favor of a declaration of intent. And I am glad that we have finally reached this point,” said Commissioner Gary Gilliard.

Bowman’s questionable spending was exposed in an April WJCL 22 investigation. We found that Bowman spent $25,000 of ticket proceeds on high school sports equipment. There is no mention of another $20,000 check addressed to the Bradwell Institute band for their trip, which also appears to have been used for that money.

The problem is Georgia law. It’s very specific about what governments can spend the money on: law enforcement or public safety. That’s all, and that’s why the agreement was necessary from the county commissioners’ perspective.

But that doesn’t mean the decision was unanimous. Two commissioners voted against it, including Commissioner Justin Frazier, who said officials should start over.

The new agreement states that the county now retains control of the funds. Sheriff Bowman must ask the county before using the money, and he must spend it on exactly prescribed things. All of this must be related to the duties of his deputies.

Liberty County officials say Bowman can use up to 20% of the funds to pay school security guards.

“I believe this agreement is the best way forward for all parties and I highly recommend it,” said District Attorney Kelly Davis.

WJCL 22 News has reached out to Bowman for comment. He did not respond to our repeated requests.

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