A deputy in Georgia is facing termination for what he wrote on a social media post about the murder of Ahmaud Arbery.
The now-suspended deputy, Paul Urhahn, commented on one of WGXA’s social media posts, writing, “that criminal arbery still got the death penalty though,” regarding his killers’ sentencing.
Communities are weighing in on the post locally and across Georgia. Activist, Eli Porter, called the comment disgusting and disturbing. “That deputy represents the entire department, so for him to say something like that — I’m just… it got under my skin,” Porter said.
Urhahn has since deleted the comment, but screenshots were shared with WGXA’s newsroom and the Houston County Sherrif’s Office, prompting an investigation that concluded Monday Morning.
The deputy has been suspended without pay and pending termination.
Sherrif Cullen Tulton wrote that Urhahn violated multiple policies:
- Page 5 (4A) – An officer must, at all times, on and off duty, conduct him/herself in a manner which does not bring discredit to the department or county.
- Page 5 (4B) – Conduct unbecoming of an officer shall include that conduct.
- (2) – Which has a tendency to destroy public respect for employees and confidence in the department.
According to the letter given to Urhahn by the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, he can appeal within ten days from Monday. If he doesn’t, his termination will be effective as of January 20, 2022.
Porter applauds the Sherriff for moving swiftly towards suspension and termination but says an apology is also needed. “To make sure that everybody knows that the sheriff’s office does not stand with what Paul said,” Porter explained.
Arbery’s killing made national news almost two years ago after a cellphone video was leaked of the disturbing chase and gunning down of the unarmed 25-year-old black man by three white men in Brunswick.
His killers were recently sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of his murder in November 2021.
