The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is looking into allegations of child abuse against Statesboro public safety director Wendell Turner.
    “The GBI was asked to look into allegations,” said Cathy Sapp, assistant special agent-in-charge for the Statesboro GBI Office.
    “We will wrap up the investigation and turn it over to the DA’s office.”
    Ogeechee Judicial Circuit District Attorney Richard Mallard confirmed Monday that accusations were made against Turner regarding child abuse, “but I do not know the validity of those claims.”
    Once the GBI turns over its findings, the DA’s office will review the case and either dismiss it or begin prosecution, he said.
    Turner said Monday he was aware of the accusations and said the Statesboro Police Department, upon receiving the complaints from the parties who made the accusations, immediately referred the case to the GBI for an internal
investigation.
    As a rule, when a department is faced with accusations or charges against one of its own, outside agencies are brought in to conduct the investigation, he said.
    “We called the GBI to do the investigation (to ensure) there would be no special treatment,” he said.
    Turner’s position as public safety director for Statesboro oversees the police and fire departments.
    However, when asked for further comment, he said “The only response I can give at this time is very limited because of my professional obligation to the process of inquiry that is on-going and my personal involvement. I would direct you to the District Attorney’s Office for future inquiries.”
    Mallard said nothing further would be disclosed until the investigation is completed. As of Monday, Turner was not charged with any crimes, he said.
   
    Holli Deal Bragg maybe reached at (912) 489-9414.