Athens-Clarke Police Investigator Fired, Jailed Alongside Wife and Son in GBI Child Abuse Probe
CARNESVILLE, GA — A regional police investigator has been fired and jailed alongside his family members following a week-long child abuse investigation in Northeast Georgia.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) arrested William Gipson, 52, his wife Wendi Gipson, 54, and their son Chasen Gipson, 18, on Monday, May 18, 2026. Prior to his arrest, William Gipson served as an investigator with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD). Agency officials confirmed he was terminated immediately following the charges.
Severe Charges for Teenager
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office initially requested the GBI’s assistance with the sensitive child abuse case on May 11, 2026. Within a week, the state agency developed enough evidence to arrest three members of the household, with the most severe charges levied against the 18-year-old.
The specific charges filed against each family member include:
- Chasen Gipson (18): Attempted Creation of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), Invasion of Privacy, and Child Molestation.
- William Gipson (52): Tampering with Evidence and Second-Degree Cruelty to Children.
- Wendi Gipson (54): Second-Degree Cruelty to Children.
Police Investigator Terminated
Under Georgia law, second-degree cruelty to children involves criminal negligence that causes a child cruel or excessive physical or mental pain. Investigators allege the parents failed to protect the victim or intervene, while the tampering charge against the elder Gipson stems from allegations that he used his law enforcement background to alter or conceal evidence before state agents arrived.
Following their arrests, all three family members were booked into the Franklin County Jail, where they are currently awaiting their initial bond hearings.
