Ex-clerk arrested in Worth County Magistrate Court information leak

SYLVESTER — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation officials say former Worth County Magistrate Court clerk Tammy Hall Powell, 54, of Sylvester has been charged with obstruction-hindering law enforcement and violation of oath of office.

According to the GBI, Powell, who resigned in June, provided confidential information about a search warrant to William Neal Gay, 61, also of Sylvester. Gay, described by the GBI as a close friend of Powell, provided the information to other individuals, jeopardizing an ongoing law enforcement investigation and the safety of law enforcement officers involved, GBI officials said.

A news release by the GBI stated Monday that Gay had been arrested and charged with obstruction-hindering law enforcement and making false statements to police officers. Gay was transported to the Dougherty County Jail, GBI officials said, because of the jurisdiction in which he made the false statements.

According to the news release, the investigation began on June 16 when Tift Judicial Circuit District Attorney Paul Bowdon requested that the GBI look into an allegation that confidential information had been leaked from the Worth County Magistrate Court office.

Powell was released from the Worth County Jail on Monday on a $2,500 bond, jail officials say. Gay remained in the Dougherty County Jail on Tuesday with a $2,500 bond set.