Braselton police chief resigns amid stalking and harassment investigation
Michael Steffman, the police chief of Braselton, resigned abruptly on Wednesday, just hours before his arrest on charges of stalking and harassment. The 49-year-old was booked into the Jackson County jail after a lengthy investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation revealed that he had allegedly misused data from police license plate readers to stalk individuals. Authorities indicated that the investigation had been ongoing for several months, highlighting serious concerns regarding Steffman's conduct. In a statement, the GBI noted that the allegations involved the unauthorized use of data from license plate readers, which are typically employed for law enforcement purposes. The chief's actions have raised questions about the integrity of police practices and the safeguarding of community members' privacy. Steffman's resignation has prompted a response from local officials, who are now focused on ensuring that proper protocols are followed within the department. The case underscores the importance of accountability in law enforcement and the need for oversight of technology used in policing. As the situation develops, further details are expected to emerge regarding both the investigation and the implications for the Braselton Police Department.
