AUGUSTA, Ga. () – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office announced that it has terminated one of their deputies Tuesday afternoon following an investigation from the Criminal Investigations Division (CID).

According to police, Deputy Sean McKenzie responded to a residence on Sep. 16, 2024 where a woman requested that requested that a weapon be secured for safekeeping from her husband. “She voluntarily provided the deputy with a rifle case containing a rifle and a specialized knife valued at approximately $300, as confirmed by Deputy McKenzie’s body-worn camera footage,” a statement from RSCO reads.

In the statement, the sheriff’s office said, “On January 7, 2025, the complainant’s husband came to retrieve the items. Upon inspecting the rifle case, he noticed that the knife was missing and immediately filed a complaint with Internal Affairs.”

As a result of “potential criminal implications,” the case was turned given to the CID for further investigation.

“During the investigation, Deputy Sean McKenzie admitted to taking the knife and securing it at his residence,” the sheriff’s office states.

Arrest warrants were obtained for Theft by Taking and Felony Violation of Oath of Office. According to RCSO, McKenzie is being taken to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center for booking.

Chief of Staff Lewis Blanchard terminated McKenzie from the force at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14.

On the situation concerning McKenzie’s termination, Sheriff Eugene Brantley issued the following statement:

“It is always a sad day for law enforcement when one of our own chooses to break the law. We are committed to transparency and equal enforcement, regardless of whether the individual works for us or any other agency. We extend our apologies to the family involved and hope that our swift action will help restore the trust they placed in us.”