Lumpkin Tax Commissioner arrested

Lumpkin County Tax Commissioner Michael David Young was arrested on drug-related charges Tuesday morning following a GBI investigation, according to officials.
The local elected official turned himself in at the Lumpkin County Detention Center and was charged with the felony offenses of possession of Schedule II-controlled substance, use of a communication facility to commit a felony and conspiracy to purchase controlled substances.
Shortly after the arrest the Georgia Bureau of Investigation sent out a press release announcing the results of their investigation.
“The GBI was requested by the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office to investigate allegations that Young, 57, was utilizing the influence of his office to obtain illegal drugs,” stated the release. “During the GBI investigation, the GBI was unable to establish the use of the office for illegal drugs; however, the GBI was able to establish Young was illegally obtaining and using prescription pills.”
Sheriff Stacy Jarrard said that he was originally contacted by the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners, which received the initial complaint.
“Just as I always do when there’s a case that involves an elected official I deferred to the GBI,” Jarrard told The Nugget.
Young has served as the Tax Commissioner of Lumpkin County since he was elected to the position in 2020.
On Tuesday morning it was still business as usual at the Tax Office on Courthouse Hill as the doors were open and county workers manned the front desk.
Following the arrest, The Nugget contacted County Chairman Chris Dockery for comment.
"I think it’s an unfortunate situation,” he said. “But our system is innocent until proven guilty, so let's let law enforcement do their job."
A couple hours after Young turned himself in at the detention center he was released on a reported $15,000 bond.
“Upon completion of the investigation, the case will be given to the Enotah Judicial Circuit for prosecution,” stated the GBI release.