A Cobb County police officer is off the job and facing criminal charges after a multi-state investigation uncovered disturbing allegations. Matthew Abbott was arrested following a Georgia Bureau of Investigation probe triggered by a tip from Utah authorities.
What We Know: Officials say Abbott was flagged by the Utah Attorney General’s Office during a separate investigation. Cobb police immediately alerted the GBI, which launched its own inquiry. Abbott is now charged with:
- Violation of Oath of Office
- Distribution of Obscene Material
- Public Indecency
Why It Matters: Police officers are expected to uphold the law—not break it. When that line is crossed, especially in cases involving public indecency and obscenity, public trust is at stake.
What’s Next: Abbott has been relieved of duty. The department is conducting an internal review, and more charges could be on the way.
Department Response: Interim Police Chief Dan Ferrell didn’t hold back. In a prepared statement, he said the allegations are “extremely disturbing” and do not reflect the department’s values. He emphasized that the officer has been relieved of duty and that internal and external investigations are ongoing.
The Big Picture: This arrest comes amid ongoing national scrutiny of law enforcement behavior, both on and off duty. Cobb County’s swift cooperation with state investigators may signal a shift toward increased transparency in local policing.
The Sources:
- Cobb County Police Department
- Georgia Bureau of Investigation
- Utah Attorney General’s Office
