o o IA-0032-2008 Investigative Summary On April 1,2008, SFC James MORGAN was contacted by Director Angie HOLT in regards to an alleged misconduct complaint filed against TFC Christopher Lee CHAVIS of the Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT) IV, Reidsville, 3092 Highway 147, Reidsville, Georgia. The alleged complaint was filed by Ms. Angie McCULLARS, 307 North Church Street, Apartment B-2, Dublin, Georgia. Details of the complaint alleged CHAVIS had been involved in an extramarital affair with McCULLARS. McCULLARS contends CHAVIS's involvement with her occurred during times while he was officially on-duty as a State Trooper. During this same time CHAVIS allowed her to view official documents of SCRT investigations and talked to her on other occasions about other SCRT investigations. McCULLARS alleged CHAVIS was involved in a relationship, which she believed is an on-going extramarital affair with the widow of a person in a fatal traffic accident that CHAVIS investigated. McCULLARS also contends when she decided to end their extramarital relationship, CHAVIS became upset with her and now she's in fear of her safety. On April 2, 2008 SFC MORGAN traveled to Post #20 Dublin and interviewed McCULLARS. During the interview McCULLARS said she and CHAVIS were long time friends for over 20 years until December 2007 when they became intimate and began a passionate sexual relationship. Their relationship began from her trying to help Exhibit #1 Page 1 of37 o o IA-0032-2008 the CRAVISES with their martial problems. During this time she fell vulnerable to CRA VIS and their sexual episodes began. As time progressed they would talk to each other constantly over the phone on a daily basis and during times when CRA VIS was called out on SCRT investigations. At some point during one of their many conversations CRA VIS told her he was divorcing his wife, TINA. McCULLARS told CRAVIS that she didn't think the divorce process was appropriate and that he needed to try and work things out at home. Instead, CRAVIS told her "Angie, I'm getting a divorce," and afterwards they kissed several times. The next day CRAVIS called her and asked if he could see her that night. McCULLARS said CRAVIS went to the Dublin Patrol Post and worked out. After CRA VIS left the Patrol Post, they met at Springdale Park where she got in his truck with him. McCULLARS said CRAVIS tried to get her to have intercourse with him but, she told him "no". CRAVIS' words to her then were "Angie, I'm getting a divorce," and he pulled out his divorce papers. Re went on to tell her that he was getting custody of his daughter and began telling her personal things about TINA in an effort to justify why he had filed for a divorce. McCULLARS said at that point their affair started and they engaged in oral sex. The next night they met again and they began a very fast moving relationship. During the first week of January, McCULLARS said she invited the CRAVISES and another friend and family over for dinner. CRA VIS arrived at her house in uniform and in his patrol car. CRA VIS' wife, TINA, came in their personal car. Exhibit #1 Page 2 of37 CRAVIS told o o IA-0032-2008 McCULLARS that he had just gotten off work. After dinner McCULLARS' friend and family left with the CHA VISES staying over for a while longer. At some point CHAVIS began talking about a case he was working on and went to his patrol car and returned with some thick folders. McCULLARS remembers one of the folders contained information of a child killed while riding a bicycle. Another folder contained information of a young girl around the ages of 15 to 19 that was out driving, drinking and doing drugs with friends and someone was killed. CHAVIS allowed her to read the affidavits and view the entire files. As she was reading the files, CHAVIS told her several times he could lose his job for allowing her to read the case files. CHAVIS also told her TINA has seen his files on several occasions. Then CHAVIS went to his patrol car and retrieved his lap top computer and began showing her different things while explaining to her of the same pertaining to the aforementioned girl involved in a fatal wreck (See ps.21-22, McCullars' interview). During this time McCULLARS was of the belief TINA was uncomfortable with CHAVIS allowing her to view the lap top. Afterwards TINA told CHAVIS that they should leave. CHAVIS told TINA to go on ahead of him and he was staying behind to talk to McCULLARS. TINA left and she and CHAVIS logged on the computer to eBay website. McCULLARS said CHAVIS began showing her State Trooper items because he knew she would purchase them for him McCULLARS did purchase a belt buckle for him from this site. Before CHAVIS left her house, they had sex. Exhibit #1 Page 3 of37 o o IA-0032-2008 CHAVIS was stopped by a police officer for speeding. She said before CHAVIS was confronted by the officer, CHAVIS was laughing and told her "watch this". CHAVIS exited his vehicle approached the officer, convinced the officer he was State Patrolman, returned to the vehicle and said to her "that turns you on, doesn't it?" McCULLARS said on their return trip CHAVIS pulled over on the side of the road and she performed oral sex on him. McCULLARS said in February, one night while she was at Curves working out, CHAVIS came by while in uniform and in his patrol car. While inside, CHAVIS lay on the floor in front of the other women. Afterwards CHAVIS called her outside and told her he had something to show her. CHAVIS had McCULLARS to look at a video camera mounted near the rear view mirror which to her, looked like a small TV. CHA VIS rewound the camera and began showing her a video of him performing a traffic stop. During the time he was showing the video, he told her that he could get in trouble for showing her the video. On another occasion while talking to CHAVIS over the telephone McCULLARS said CHAVIS told her he was about to make a traffic stop on a DUI driver. She said CHAVIS told her he knew it was a DUI because he could tell by the way the person was driving the car. She said CHAVIS talked to her until he actually stopped the car while telling her he would call her back. Exhibit #1 A short time later CHAVIS arrived at her house in Page 6 of37 o o IA-0032-2008 unifonn and in his patrol car. CHAVIS told her the person he'd stopped for DUI was being transferred to jail and he stopped by her house while the transferring process took place. CHAVIS told McCULLARS he came by her house to see her because he didn't know how long he would be at the jail once he arrived to book the subject. McCULLARS said CHAVIS called her often when he was responding to call outs in the middle of the night. She said they talked to each other during CHAVIS' trips to and from the call out locations. During his return trips he told her details of what had happened. On Valentine's Day night, McCULLARS told that CHAVIS came by her house in unifonn as he was returning from a wreck call. McCULLARS was uncertain as to why CHAVIS really came by her house. She went on to say, she wasn't sure if CHAVIS came by to reassure her how much he loved her or to make sure when she visited his house, she wouldn't tell TINA about their affair. The following weekend CHAVIS called McCULLARS after he completed a wreck call and she met him in Dublin. When they met, CHAVIS was in unifonn and in his patrol car. They met at an oil place, near some power lines which was also near where CHAVIS' father worked. CHAVIS showed her pictures of the wreck on his laptop. Afterwards CHAVIS showed McCULLARS a camera which she later learned was his State Patrol camera. McCULLARS said she believed the camera was the same camera CHAVIS used to photograph a wedding. Exhibit #1 Page 7 of37 • • IA -0032-2008 The following Sunday afternoon after church McCULLARS and CHAVIS went to Zaxby's Restaurant where the pastor and his wife, other church members and TINA were also present. TINA was there in a separate car. After they all finished eating, TINA went home, leaving CHAVIS at the restaurant. McCULLARS said after they left the restaurant she and CHAVIS went to a local park and engaged in sexual intercourse. McCULLARS said the local park became a regular meeting place for them. On several occasions while at the park CHAVIS' phone constantly rang. She observed the text messages would always read as "Jennifer." McCULLARS said she questioned CHAVIS as to who Jennifer was. CHAVIS told her Jennifer was "Jennifer THRASHER." When McCULLARS further quizzed him, CHA VIS replied he investigated an accident where THRASHER's husband was killed and they later became friends. When McCULLARS questioned CHAVIS why he became that close to THRASHER, CHAVIS replied that TINA thought that he and THRASHER were having an affair. McCULLARS then asked CHAVIS if he was having an affair with THRASHER and he replied "No, we're just good friends." McCULLARS went on to say that her friend, Jack DEAN, told her later that CHAVIS had taken him by THRASHER'S home. The following week they were together again. McCULLARS said she began feeling guilty about their affair. She called CHAVIS and told him the affair had to stop. During the same conversation she talked to CHAVIS about his finances because at one point his finances were in a deplorable state. Exhibit #1 McCULLARS said her reason for Page 8 of37 o o IA-003Z-Z008 herself; she didn't know whether CHAVIS was actually sick or he faked his condition just to gain attention from her. CHAVIS came to her house later that day and brought her two packages from Olive Branch, a Christian store. They went to her bedroom and opened the packages. One item was a mirror with inscriptions pertaining to love and friendship. The other item was similar with the inscriptions of "love is patient, love is kind." McCULLARS was at the point where she didn't believe anything CHAVIS told her. As they went outside she sat CHAVIS down and told'him how he had negatively impacted her and her children's lives. She reminded CHAVis of the time he took her son to get his drivers license and allowed her son to work-out with him at the patrol Post. McCULLARS reminded CHAVIS about the time when he came to her house and allowed her and her sons to watch a video of him puIIing'a car over and a video of patrol cars performing the P.LT. maneuver on a fleeing vehicle. CHAVIS told her during the time that he could get in , trouble by showing them the videos. CHAVIS constantly talked to her son about becoming a State Trooper. Unbeknownst to CHAVIS, her sons didn't particularly care for him; in fact, they couldn't stand him. Her sons shared with her their views as to what a State Trooper should be and how a State Trooper should conduct themselves. The sons drew their conclusions from"other troopers like Tim BRANTLY and Jeff CAIN and not from CHAVIS. Exhibit #1 Page 11 of37 o o .,j IA-0032-2008 McCULLARS said she finally had enough of CHAVIS' ways so she confronted him and told him they needed to go to their preacher and tell the preacher about their affair. CHAVIS told her there was no need to go to the preacher with their problem because it was between them and not any business of the preacher. McCULLARS and CHAVIS decided to go to the local Waffle House to get something to eat and try to come to a solution concerning ending their affair. While at the Waffle, House she asked CHAVIS if she could see his phone and he gave it to her. As she examined the phone, she saw several women's names, became upset and asked him take her home. They returned to her house and a fight began. The fight ended and they decided to go to a different Waffle House. Afte~ they finished eating, they returned to her house around 2 a.m. and had sex. The next day CHAVIS called her and asked if McCULLARS was going to attend church. She told him "No" and that they needed to talk. She then told CRAVIS she loved and cared about him but she couldn't go on any longer with the affair and that it had to end. Throughout the day they talked several times about how they loved each other and about figuring out what they were going to do about ending the affair. McCULLARS said that night she prayed and asked God for help. Afterwards she went to a friend's house in search of a resolution. McCULLARS finally decided to call her preacher's wife, AMY, and arranged to meet with her. When they met, McCULLARS enlightened AMY with details of her affair with CRAVIS. AMY became so furious she Exhibit #1 Page 12 of37 o o IA-003Z-Z008 instructed McCULLARS to call CHA VIS on the phone. McCULLARS sent CHAVIS a text message to which he replied with a text that read "Me and Tina have talked and we're gonna work things out and I'm in God's word. I'm reading my Bible right now. I can't talk to our preacher's wife." When McCULLARS allowed AMY to read CHAVIS' message, AMY told her to call CHA VIS and tell him he had one minute to call them back. CHA VIS then called. When McCULLARS attempted to hand the phone to AMY, AMY instructed her to tell CHAVIS the affair was over. AMY then told CHAVIS his game was over, he was to end the affair, Amy would protect McCULLARS and not to call her (McCULLARS) again. After the phone call was over, Amy and McCULLARS sat and talked. The next day AMY called McCULLARS and said they had to go to the pastor, Chris DIXON. AMY didn't want to keep the situation from the pastor for two reasons: Dixon is the pastor as well as AMY's husband. McCULLARS called CHAVIS and told him they needed to go to Pastor DIXON and tell him about their affair. CHAVIS became hysterical, refusing to do so and questioned McCULLARS as to why they should go to Pastor DIXON. CHAVIS called her later in an attempt to try to get her to change her mind about going to Pastor DIXON but, she stood her ground and told him they were going to Pastor DIXON and tell him the truth. McCULLARS and CHAVIS arrived at the church around the same time but AMY and Pastor DIXON hadn't arrived. CHAVIS was in uniform and in his patrol car because he was on his way somewhere else and he Exhibit #1 Page 13 of37 o o IA-0032-2008 stopped by to participate in the meeting. CHAVIS walked over to her vehicle while she sat reading Pastor DIXON'S past sermon. AMY and Pastor DIXON soon arrived and they all went inside and began their meeting. The details of their affair stunned Pastor DIXON because he had counseled CHAVIS in the past about another woman. As CHAVIS tried to explain, Pastor DIXON told CHAVIS he didn't believe anything he had said and that he had embarrassed the church. McCULLARS said when she finished telling Pastor DIXON the story of their affair, DIXON asked CHAVIS if McCULLARS had told the truth. CHAVIS answered, "Yes," acknowledging that it was the truth . , . Pastor DIXON then asked CHAVIS if he had been involved in another affair and CHAVIS answered and said "No". McCULLARS told CHAVIS to tell Pastor DIXON the truth. CRAVIS then told Pastor DIXON he had been involved in another affair. McCULLARS said after the meeting, she went home and just cried. McCULLARS said the next day or some days later she sent CHAVIS a very pleasant email message telling him that she had no hard feeling towards him and that she stilI cared for him. McCULLARS said TINA was not aware of the meeting that took place with her, CHAVIS, AMY and Pastor DIXON, so she decided to text TINA that Wednesday night and told her they needed to talk. McCULLARS said she then learned TINA was in Forsyth with CHAVIS. TINA later sent McCULLARS a text and tried to call her but McCULLARS decided not to' answer. ., Exhibit #1 Page 14 of37 o o IA-0032-2008 The following Sunday McCULLARS saw TINA and CHAVIS at church. When CHAVIS noticed she was in the church, he pulled TINA closer to him in an effort to "show off'. McCULLARS said AMY told her to ignore CHAVIS because he was just showing off and was only trying to save his marriage. McCULLARS admitted that CHAVIS' acts did affect her because she had been in a relationship with him, invested money and time in him, which caused her to be mentally, physically and emotionally drained from his actions. This convinced her to believe CHAVIS was simply playing on her emotions. McCULLARS said at some point later she was told by AMY that TINA wanted to meet with them because tINA wanted answers to some unanswered questions concerning the affair. McCULLARS said at the time she was very busy preparing for a party for the kids she once kept in her day care. McCULLARS thought about calling TINA but instead decided to email her. McCULLARS received a return email from TINA questioning her about their friendship (see pgs 84-87 McCullars' interview). After hearing and learning about other affairs in which CHAVIS was involved, McCULLARS became so upset to the point it made her sick. McCULLARS convinced herself that she had had enough and decided'to call TINA. McCULLARS called TINA and told TINA they needed to talk about CHA VIS talking about their affair all over town. TINA began to cry and handed the phone to CHAVIS. McCULLARS said CHAVIS questioned her as to what she had said to TINA. CHAVIS went on to say that TINA was packing her bags Exhibit #1 Page 15 of37 o o lA-0032-2008 in an effort to leave home. McCULLARS told CHAVIS he needed to cease his talk around town about their affair. McCULLARS told CHAVIS he was harassing her by means of him spreading their business allover town (see pgs 95-98 McCullars' interview). McCULLARS said after she finished her conversation with CHAVIS, she called the church. When no one answered, she decided to drive to the church. When she arrived, AMY and Pastor DIXON were there. McCULLARS knocked on the door and AMY invited her into her office. Immediately AMY sensed something was wrong and asked her what was going on. As they talked there was a loud knock on the door. AMY answered the door and it was the CHAVISES. McCULLARS said she heard TINA say "I know she's in there". McCULLARS said the two of them were screaming "We just went to the Dublin Police Department". McCULLARS said she was unclear as to what they meant about going to the Dublin Police and that the only thing she could think of was they filed a complaint against her for calling TINA on the phone. McCullars said she was never contacted by the Dublin Police Department in regards to a complaint filed against her by the CHAVISES. McCULLARS summed her interview up by saying she admits her involvement in the affair was wrong and she takes full responsibility for her part. Her main reason for wanting to break off the affair was because she finally realized her religious faith and beliefs were in jeopardy because of her sin of the affair. She went on to say CHAVIS was not going to get a divorce, he's a chronic liar. The affair contributed to her being placed Exhibit #1 Page 16 of37 o o IA-0032-2008 Afterwards, they realized they'd made a mistake and suggested they should back away from each other. Even though they tried to back away from each other instead, the affair progressed. As their relationship grew, McCULLARS began to demand that she see him more often that they were already seeing each other. McCULLARS even went to the point of threatening to tell his wife. To keep down confusion Chavis decided to try and honor McCullars' request as best as he could. There were times when Chavis went to McCULLARS' house and sat and talked for hours. CHAVIS tried to convince McCULLARS that they needed to just remain as friends. McCULLARS purchased him a Verizon Crazor cell phone and constantly sent him text messages. McCULLARS called him on two different occasions while he was at his attorney's office. McCULLARS asked why he was there and to the best of his knowledge, he told her he was going over some paperwork. From that he believes McCULLARS assumed he was there to finalize his divorce but in actuality he was there on business to refinance his house. As time progressed there were times when Chavis stopped by McCULLARS' house on his way home from ;,york. During some of these times his wife would meet him ,-. . at McCULLARS' home. One time he stopped by McCULLARS' house on his way to work because her kids wanted to sit in the patrol car. CHAVIS admitted that he visited McCULLARS while he was on duty but denies any sexual fraternization between him and McCULLARS during the times. McCULLARS told CHAVIS that she loved him and in return he told her he loved her. CHAVIS knew that the affair was wrong and he Exhibit #1 Pagel8of37 o o IA-0032-2008 CHAVIS confirmed he visited McCULLARS at Curves Fitness Center while he was on duty. During one of the time he visited McCULLARS at Curves, McCULLARS was seated on the floor and he sat on the floor beside her; CHAVIS denied he was in uniform. When asked about a restraining order taken out against McCULLARS, CHAVIS said he never file for a restraining order against her; instead he and TINA filed a harassment complaint pertaining to McCULLARS with the Dublin Police Department. The reason for the harassment complaint was because McCULLARS, on several occasions, sent emails to TINA telling her how TINA should act as a wife and later send an email apologizing for her' ~~tions. During the interview CHAVIS was questioned in regards to SCRT case files. CHAVIS explained he visit~d McCULLARS one night for supper when McCULLARS , had prepared supper for several people, including his wife. CHAVIS was on a tight schedule to complete some of his cases so while there, he retrieved his files and began organizing them in the correct order. While Chavis was doing this, his wife was seated on the love seat and McCULLARS was sitting in her chair with an ottoman in front of it. As CHAVIS organized his files, he said something to the effect of this is what a SCRT report looks like. CHAVIS' description of the cases was that one involved a lady that Exhibit #1 Page 20 of37 o o IA-0032-2008 struck a boy while riding a bicycle and the other one was a Dodge County case that involved a girl out riding, lost control of her vehicle; it overturned and killed two people. CRAVIS said McCULLARS' knowledge of details pertaining to the case files must have come from the newspapers or he could have talked to her about them over the telephone. CRAVIS said at no time did he relinquish the case files to McCULLARS for her to revIew. CRAVIS was questioned about a time he and McCULLARS were stopped for speeding while en-route to Vidalia. CRAVIS admitted that he was speeding and was stopped by a TreutIen County officer. CRAVIS didn't receive a speeding citation because the officer who conducted the stop knew him. CRAVIS denied that he bragged to McCULLARS that he was able to get out of a ticket because he is a Trooper. In response to questions about McCULLARS' allegation that CRAVIS used departmental camera to take pictures of a wedding, CRAVIS admitted that he took wedding pictures for one of his friends with his departmental camera. On April 8, 2008, CRAVIS was administered a polygraph examination about his sexual relationship with Mc'CULLARS while on duty. The results of the polygraph examination indicated deception was noted when CRA VIS answered the relevant questions pertaining to sexual intercourse with McCULLARS while on duty. A copy of Exhibit #1 Page 21 of37 o o IA-0032-2008 the Polygraph Exam Results is attached to this case file as Exhibit 4. CHAVIS said during the post polygraph examination interview that he couldn't understand why the results indicated "deception noted". CHAVIS said the only thing he could think that may have caused the results to be as such is that maybe the times he spent with McCULLARS had overlapped and came together. In doing so he may have subconsciously or consciously confused his times he spent with McCULLARS. CHAVIS admitted the sexual relationship with McCULLARS and couldn't 100% say that he didn't have sex with her while he was on duty. CHAVIS said he'd visited McCULLARS while on duty and on his way to and from his office. CHAVIS said he's sure he visited McCULLARS at least 15 to 20 times anct' had sex with her at least four times. These four times consisted of one time at his home and the other three times at McCULLARS' home. While at McCULLARS' home they had sex once in the living room and twice in the bedroom. At his house they h~<1 s~x on the couch in his living room. CHAVIS said "The only time I can remember I ~'~y have possibly been in uniform was once because there is only one time that I can remember or that I'm even close to thinking I may have been in uniform." CHAVIS said he was still unclear if he and McCULLARS engaged in sexual intercourse while on duty b~r said "Sarg, all of it points to the fact that I was on-duty, I must have been. At least once I must have been on duty." During CHAVIS' first interview (April 7'h), he was asked about his relationship with Ms. Jennifer THRASHER. CHAVIS said THRASHER was a widow of a person Exhibit #1 Page 22 of37 o o IA-0032-2008 he'd investigated a fatal acciderit on in Wilkinson County. After the accident CHAVIS and THRASHER became very close friends. CHAVIS denied he had any interest in THRASHER other than just friends. CHAVIS occasionally sees THRASHER around town and mainly at the local Wal-mart. CHAVIS has only visited THRASHER at her home as it related to business concerning her husband's accident. CHAVIS said he and THRASHER have talked over the phone several times. In the second interview, CHAVIS' story changed and he admitted he has visited THRASHER's home several times (see pg 62, Chavis' April 7th interview). When CHAVIS was asked about an intimate relationship with THRASHER, CHAVIS' answer was "No". Because CHAVIS answered "No" to the above question by stammering, a low tone in his voice and a flushed look on his face, it led SFC MORGAN to believe CHAVIS was not triJthful in his answer about an intimate relationship with THRASHER. CHAVIS admitted he visited THRASHER and was very adamant he was not involved in an intimate relationship with THRASHER. j. On April 9, 2008, a polygraph examination was administered to CHAVIS in regards to an intimate relationship with THRASHER. The results of the examination indicated deception was noted when CHAVIS answered relevant questions pertaining to his relationship with THRASHER. A copy of the Polygraph Exam Results is attached to this case file as Exhibit 4. Exhibit #1 Page 23 of37 o o IA-0032-2008 After the polygraph examination CHAVIS was allowed to respond to the results of the polygraph examination. During a post polygraph examination interview conducted by SFC MORGAN, CHAVIS was still adamant that he had not been involved in a sexual relationship with THRASHER. CHAVIS did admit that he had hugged and kissed THRASHER on several occasions but he never engaged in sexual intercourse with her. CHAVIS also admitted he did stop at THRASHER's residence several times while on duty (See pg 33 Chavis' April 10 th interview). Even though SFC MORGAN ordered CHAVIS not to have any contact with THRASHER or anyone else about the ongoing internal investigation, CHAVIS admitted he called THRASHER on the night of April 8th and told her to expect to hear from Internal Affairs (see pgs 37- 40 Chavis' April 10th interview). Other evidentiary information pertaining to this investigation revealed the following: On Thursday and Friday, April 10 and 11, 2008, Director Angie HOLT examined and retrieved numerous records from the Georgia State Patrol SCRT Region 4 Office, Reidsville, Georgia. The records included copies of SCRT Daily activity Logs, Vehicle Reports, DPS 617's and CRMS for Chris CHAVIS #298 from January 2007 to present. Also examined and printed were numerous electronic mail messages from TFC CHAVIS' DPS email. This information is incorporated in the case file as Exhibits 8 and 9. The copies of emails in Volumes 3 and 4 of this case file are marked as Exhibit 8. Exhibit #1 Page 24 of37 o o IA-0032-2008 An examination of the emails showed CHAVIS engages in correspondence that were not work-related from numerous women, including Kim Brown, Angie McCullars, Carla Smith, Martha Jean Washburn, Jennifer Moon, Kim Brown, Amy Crabtree, and Tiffany Mobley, as well as from miscellaneous other sources. The messages from THRASHER were generally jokes and other "forwarded" types of mail. The exchanges between Tina MOBLEY and CHAVIS, dated in July 2007, were personal where references were made to CHAVIS' wife and girlfriend, the two making a date for lunch, mention of MC)BLEY's "blue thongs," and a photograph that MOBLEY sent of herself to CHAVIS' phone that she hoped "NOONE else sees that ... " The exchanges between CHAVIS and Jennifer Moon, a case manager with the Wheeler County Department of Family and Children's Services, dated June 2007, talked about their friendship, how they feel about each other and the direction in which their relationship will go. CHAVIS commented, "I know how I feel about you, but I can not make any promises." " . The ernails between Kim Brown and CHAVIS spanned a time period from May 1 ". 21, 2007-February 20, 200S; and contained expressions of their love for each other, ; sexual encounters they have had, when and where they will meet again, and other very personal references. CHAVIS and BROWN discussed payment of a bill for CRAVIS' cell phone, a phone that BROWN obtained for him. CHAVIS talked of leaving his wife ,. Exhibit #1 Page 25 of37 o o IA-0032-2008 and moving to Milledgeville to be with BROWN. The emails are further confirmation of the extra-marital relationship CHAVIS had with BROWN. The correspondence with Carla Smith (dated January-March), Martha Washburn (dated June 2077-March 2008) and Amy Crabtree (dated March 2008) contained personal chit-chat type banter. On Sunday, April 13, 2008, Director HOLT retrieved a laptop, issued to CHAVIS from the Georgia State Patrol Post 20, Dublin, Georgia. This laptop was released to Brentwood SMITH, Depart~ent of Public Safety Computer Services, for forensic (-' , examination on April 18, 2008. This information is incorporated in the case file as ,-, ; Exhibit 9. On Saturday, April 19, 2008, Director HOLT retrieved a desk top computer central processing unit (CPU) from the Georgia State Patrol Post 18, Reidsville, Georgia. The CPU issued to CHAVIS was removed from CHAVIS' desk, placed in a box and left at Post 18 by Sergeant Ben GARRETT #995 for Director HOLT. The computer was released to Brentwood SMITH, Department of Public Safety Computer Services, for forensic examination. This information is incorporated in the case file as Exhibit 9. On April 23, 2008, SFC MORGAN interviewed Ms. Veronica (Ronnie) HERMAN at 750 North Cobb Street, Milledgeville, Georgia in regard to the Emerald Cuts Beauty Exhibit #1 Page 26 of37 o o IA-0032-2008 interview the following week. THRASHER later called and said her curiosity was getting the best of her and she wanted to know how her name came up in CHAVIS' investigation. THRASHER said she met CHAVIS through a fatality accident involving her husband. After the accident CHAVIS came by her father's office and explained the specifics of the accident. After that time she has seen CHAVIS at the ball park and around town. She said they later became friends. THRASHER said their relationship is nothing other than just friends. THRASHER said she has not been in an intimate relationship with anyone since her husband's death. THRASHER said the only time CHAVIS has had any physical contact with her is from a friendly hug and a simple kiss on her cheek. THRASHER said the mentioned physical contact of the kiss and hug took place during the Thanksgiving period. THRASHER remembers the time because this was during the time of her grandmother'S death. THRASHER said during this visit CHAVIS was in uniform and told her he couldn't stay long because he was on patrol. On April 23, 2008, SFC MORGAN traveled to the Liberty Baptist Church, Dublin, Georgia and interviewed Pastor Chris DIXON. Pastor DIXON said he learned of CHAVIS' extramarital affair with McCULLARS one afternoon in 2008 after a church service. CHAVIS and McCULLARS came into his office together, told DIXON about their on-going relationship and they sought his advice as to how they could peacefully end the affair. Pastor DIXON said he immediately placed them on individual counseling schedules. Exhibit #1 Page 28 of37 o o IA-0032-2008 CHAVIS came to the hospital to visit McCULLARS. While she was in McCULLARS' room, CHAVIS entered. MEYERS said McCULLARS went into the bathroom. She said while McCULLARS was in the bathroom CHAVIS bluntly looked at her and said "I love her, I love her so much I don't know what I'd do; ah, I know she's already told you this." MEYERS said at that point she was floored at what CHAVIS had told her. MEYERS said she had knowledge of CHAVIS and McCULLARS publicly going out to different places such as lunch, dinner, getting pedicures and thing of that nature. MEYERS went on to say McCULLARS told her several times CHAVIS was getting a divorce. MEYERS said she also learned CHAVIS was going around town showing offhis divorce papers. Afterwards MEYERS said she knew McCULLARS tried to end the relationship with CHAVIS and CHAVIS would continue to call her. MEYERS said she witnessed times when McCULLARS told CHAVIS to leave her alone; it was over and for him not to call her anymore. MEYERS said she had no knowledge of CHAVIS taking out a restraining order against McCULLARS but she did know that McCULLARS said she was not going to go anywhere near CHAVIS. MEYERS said she can't 100% say she saw CHAVIS with McCULLARS while in uniform because she saw CHAVIS in uniform at church and other places. MEYERS said on one occasion McCULLARS mentioned to her about CHAVIS showing her some thing about a wreck and him showing pictures from his laptop of a wreck scene while at Exhibit #1 Page 30 of37 -- - - - - - - - - - - - • o IA-0032-2008 said CHAVIS would often spend weekends with her and at one point told her he was getting a divorce. BROWN said CHAVIS really convinced her he was getting a divorce. She said as time passed CHAVIS always provided excuses as to why he'd not gotten a divorce. BROWN said after having enough she cancelled CHAVIS' phone service and decided to end the relationship. To the best of her knowledge she ended the affair with him in January or February 2008. BROWN said CHAVIS never visited her in uniform or while on duty. ALLEGATION: Misconduct; Engaged in Extramarital Affair facilitated while TFC CHAVIS was on duty, using his DPS issued patrol car as transportation, and other DPS issued equipment during this relationship (DPS desk top and lap top computers, camera and SCRT investigative files) FINDING: Sustained. Ms. Angie McCULLARS alleged she was involved in an intimate relationship with TFC CHAVIS which began December 2007 and had engaged in sexual intercourse with him while he was on duty. Ms. McCULLARS gave vivid accounts of several times she and CHAVIS engaged in sexual intercourse while he was on duty. Exhibit #1 Page 32 of37 • o IA-0032-2008 CHAVIS first denied he had engaged in sexual intercourse with McCULLARS while on duty. A polygraph examination was administered to CHAVIS concerning him having sex with McCULLARS while on duty. During the examination process the Polygraphist gave specific instruction to CHAVIS as to how he should conduct himself during the examination process. On at least two occasions the Polygraphist warned CHAVIS about his movements during the examination process. eHAVIS continued to ignore the Polygraphist's instructions. It appeared that CHAVIS' continuous movements were done in an effort to aid him in an effort to defeat the polygraph examination. The results of the polygraph examination indicated "deception noted" when CHAVIS answered relevant question related to this matter. During a post polygraph examination interview CHAVIS finally admitted to him having sex with McCULLARS at least once while on duty. CHAVIS said he admit that he had a relationship with McCULLARS and couldn't 100% say that he didn't have sex with her while on duty. CHAVIS said he was sure he'd visited McCULLARS at least 15 to 20 times and had sex with her at least four times. These four times consisted of having sex with McCULLARS one time at his home and the other three times at her home. From this CHAVIS was found to be in violation of Policy #3.01, F.l.G.I.Code of Conduct. Copy of Policy attached to case file as Exhibit 10. Exhibit #1 Page 33 of37 • o IA-0032-2008 ALLEGATION: Misconduct; TFC Chris CHAVIS' Inappropriate Personal Relationship with Ms. Jennifer THRASHER. FINDING: Sustained. The evidence shows CHAVIS became involved with Ms. Jennifer THRASHER in a personal relationship outside of business purposes. THRASHER's husband was killed in a fatal traffic accident that CHAVIS investigated. CHAVIS later befriended THRASHER and admitted he has visited her residence on numerous occasions. CHAVIS first denied he ever had any physical contact with THRASHER. CHAVIS was questioned about allegations that he is having an affair with THRASHER and CHAVIS was adamant that no sexual encounters took place between them. A polygraph examination was administered to CHAVIS pertaining to him engaging in sexual intercourse with THRASHER while on duty. The results indicated "deception noted" when CHAVIS answered relevant questions pertaining to this matter. The post polygraph examination interview revealed CHAVIS had in fact had physical contact with THRASHER as he admitted to kissing and hugging her. According to THRASHER she admitted to CHAVIS hugging and kissing her on the cheek, but said it was in a friendly manner. CHAVIS' involvement in a personal relationship THRASHER demonstrated poor judgment in that CHAVIS investigated the crash in which THRASHER's husband was killed. CHAVIS visited THRASHER at her residence both off duty and on duty, in his Exhibit #1 Page 34 of37 • • IA -0032-2008 patrol vehicle and in uniform. CHAVIS' high visibility with this relationship caused people in the community to question the nature of their liaison since THRASHER was vulnerable as a recent widow and CHAVIS was married. During the investigation process CHAVIS was advised not to discuss the specific of the case with THRASHER. Ignoring the warning given to him by SFC MORGAN, CHAVIS placed a caB to THRASHER and told her Internal Affairs would contact her about the investigation. In doing so, CHAVIS impeded the investigative process of this investigation by violating a direct order. This action by CHAVIS constitutes an additional finding ofInsubordination, a violation ofDPS Policy #3.01.4, A.2. CHAVIS was found to be in violation of Policy #3.01.4, A.2, D.3, G.l.Code of Conduct. Copy of Policy attached to case file as Exhibit 10. '.) ALLEGATION: Improper Use of Technology in the Workplace. FINDINGS: Sustained. It was found that CHAVIS utilized his Departmental computers to send email messages for personal use. The messages sent and received by CHAVIS on the Departmental computers were from the involved female parties identified in this Exhibit #1 Page 35 of37 • • IA-0032-2008 investigation as well as several other females. The content of the personal emails with the other females included jokes, flirtatious banter, and CHAVIS asking at least one of the women for dates. Some messages contained language that was sexually explicit, contained sexual innuendo and otherwise inappropriate in a business setting. The retrieved messages are attached to this case file as Exhibits 8 and 9. CHAVIS was found to be in violation of Policy 14.01, Utilization of Technologies. A copy of the Policy is attached to case file as Exhibit 10. ALLEGATION: Securing o'fProperty and Evidence (SCRT Case Files). FINDINGS: Sustained. CHAVIS admitted to having at least two SCRT case files in the presence of McCULLARS. CHAVIS said during one of his many visits to McCULLARS' home, he retrieved some SCRT case fij~s from his patrol car and brought them inside of her house. CHAVIS explanation for bring the case files in close proximity of McCULLARS was that he was behind on the cases and needed to organize them. The details of the files as described by McCULLARS were almost the same in detail to as described by CHAVIS. In order for McCULLARS to be as descriptive as she was, she had to have either viewed the files or CHAVIS told her the details of the files. These SCRT files are sanctioned by I the Department as DPS property. These files are considered evidence in two court cases. Exhibit #1 Page 36 of37