Statesboro Public Safety Director Wendell Turner is cleared after an investigation into child abuse allegations found no evidence of wrongdoing, said Ogeechee Judicial Circuit District Attorney Richard Mallard.
    After the Statesboro Police Department received complaints Feb. 21 that Turner had abused a child, the department turned the investigation over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. That is common procedure whenever an internal investigation takes place, said Statesboro Police Major Scott Brunson.
    Turner’s position as public safety director for Statesboro oversees the police and fire departments.
    Turner acknowledged the accusations last week and said, “We called the GBI to do the investigation (to ensure) there would be no special treatment.” 
    Mallard said Monday, “The GBI conducted a thorough investigation and provided their report to the Office of the District Attorney March 2.”
    The GBI investigation found no basis for the accusations.  State agents “found no criminal conduct had taken place,” he said.
    Mallard’s office reviewed the GBI report and “concurs in the GBI’s assessment of the incident and no further action by law enforcement is necessary based upon the facts of the case.”
    The accusations stemmed from a disciplinary matter, according to reports.
    Turner could not be reached for comment Monday.

    Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414.