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September 30, 2015 | forsythherald.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 18, No. 39
Former Cumming police sergeant resigns after extortion claims FBI is investigating By KATHLEEN STURGEON Kathleen@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — Amid extortion allegations, a former Cumming Police Department sergeant resigned Sept. 9. Nathan VanBuren submitted a letter of resignation to Chief of Police Casey Tatum Sept. 9, saying he “would like to thank you for the opportunity that has been given to me and the work experience I have gained is irreplaceable.” The investigation began Sept. 3 after Gerald Blackburn, City of Cumming administrator, sent a memo to VanBuren about administrative leave with pay. Blackburn started the letter by saying it was based on the recommendation of Tatum “for the necessity of an internal investigation … in order for investigators to conduct this investigation.” A second memo sent that day from
Tatum to VanBuren was a written notification informing the former sergeant that an allegation of misconduct regarding him “extorting money” had been received. “Since the allegation is potentially criminal,” Tatum said in the letter, “a formal investigation must be conducted by an outside agency.” But on Sept. 4, VanBuren received a third letter informing him of his termination. The letter listed multiple policy violations including duty regarding conduct, conduct unbecoming and buying/selling/receiving/items. The last offense was described as, “buying, receiving or selling anything of value from or to any complainant, suspect, witness, defendant, prisoner or other person involved in any case which has come to the attention of or which arose out of department employment, except as may be specifically authorized by the Chief of Police, is prohibited.” There were also four causes for dis-
Nathan VanBuren ciplinary action listed, including misconduct, conduct reflecting discredit on the city or the employee’s department, acceptance of money or other valuable consideration given with the intent of
influencing the employee in the performance of his/her official duties and improper use of official position for personal profit or advantage. Tatum said in a formal statement the department became aware of alleged misconduct after a citizen stepped forward with concerns earlier in September. “After those complaints were received by our agency, we immediately informed the FBI, who in turn immediately stepped in and began their investigation,” Tatum said. “The Cumming Police Department will continue to provide full cooperation to the FBI as they continue their investigation.” Due to the FBI investigation, Tatum said he could not provide further comment. The FBI also said they could not comment on the investigation. VanBuren could not be reached for comment. VanBuren joined the department in August 2008 and was promoted to sergeant in August 2013.
Community gathers for ‘Lights of Hope’ To celebrate those in addiction, recovery or who have passed By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com
KATHLEEN STURGEON/STAFF
Candles are lit in memory of those who’ve died, those addicted and those in recovery.
CUMMING, Ga. — While addiction is often a taboo topic, a group of mothers in Forsyth County decided to hold a positive, celebratory event. The “Lights of Hope” event was held Sept. 17 on the Forsyth County Courthouse steps. Over 100 people came out to support those currently addicted, those in recovery and those who have died from their addictions.
Mindy Watkins is with The Addict’s Mom national chapter and is also a trainer and distributer for Georgia Overdose Prevention and is a Parent’s Resource Network parent. She said because September is national recovery month, TAM nationwide holds “Lights of Hope” events, including the one in Cumming for the first time. “It is a celebration of those we love and have lost and those still struggling with addiction and those in active recovery,” Watkins said. “It brings awareness and education to the issues because this is a national epidemic. Overdoses are killing at a rate of one every 13 minutes. One
See LIGHTS, Page 28