2 Cobb Officers Accused Of Crimes Against Children In Cherokee: Cops

Cobb County Police on Wednesday said two of its officers were arrested and are facing charges relating to suspected crimes against children in Cherokee County.

- Officer Withman Benjamin, 47, of Canton, was identified as the first officer arrested, according to the CCPD and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

The GBI said their agents on Friday arrested Benjamin after a child abuse investigation that Canton Police began in September 2025.

Benjamin was arrested on a charge of sexual battery against a child under 16 and was booked into the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center, the GBI said.

He was placed on administrative leave, pending the case's outcome, CCPD said.

“The residents of Cobb County expect and deserve law enforcement officers who uphold the law and demonstrate integrity at all times, both on and off duty," Cobb County Police Chief Dan Ferrell said in a news release. "We are committed to following the facts, respecting due process and taking all appropriate action to maintain the trust and confidence of our community.”

Once the GBI's case file is complete, it will be given to the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.

- CCPD said the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office arrested Officer Tyler Bertolini on two counts of first- and third-degree cruelty to children.

He surrendered to the local jail on Tuesday and was placed on administrative leave, police said.

“The expectation in Cobb County is clear," Ferrell said in a separate news release. "Our officers must uphold the law and conduct themselves with integrity, on and off duty. We are reviewing the facts, respecting due process, and will take appropriate action to maintain the trust of our community.”