Conyers Police Lieutenant Charged with Theft After Stealing Home Depot Donation

Conyers, Georgia – November 26, 2025  A high-ranking officer with the Conyers Police Department has been arrested and placed on administrative leave following allegations that he exploited his position to secure a charitable donation from a local Home Depot store—only to convert the items for his own use. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) announced the charges Tuesday, marking a swift downfall for Lt. Jesus Cadena, a 36-year-old veteran of the force who joined in January 2022.

Cadena, a resident of Loganville in neighboring Gwinnett County, faces a single felony count of theft by deception. According to a detailed GBI press release, the investigation began on October 16 when Conyers Police Department (CPD) officials flagged a suspicious transaction and requested state assistance. Investigators quickly uncovered that Cadena had leveraged his official title to persuade the Conyers Home Depot to donate a wood chipper, ostensibly to support department operations. However, CPD brass confirmed they had no record of the request and never took possession of the equipment.

"A search warrant executed at Cadena’s Gwinnett County home resulted in the recovery of the property, which had been converted to personal use," the GBI stated, underscoring the alleged betrayal of both his badge and the community's goodwill. Cadena turned himself in to the Rockdale County Jail around midnight on November 25 after learning of the outstanding warrant, booking records show. He was released shortly thereafter on bond, though specifics on the amount were not immediately disclosed.

The scandal has prompted an immediate internal probe by the CPD to assess any policy violations. In a statement to the press, Chief Scott Freeman emphasized the department's zero-tolerance stance on misconduct. "We expect every member of this department to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability," Freeman said. "When concerns emerge, we address them openly and collaborate with our state investigative partners. Our commitment is to maintain the trust of our community."

Details on the wood chipper's value remain under wraps, but the incident highlights broader concerns about accountability in law enforcement. Cadena's actions, if proven, not only deprived the department of potentially useful equipment but also undermined the spirit of corporate philanthropy that Home Depot and similar retailers extend to public safety agencies. A Home Depot spokesperson declined comment, citing the ongoing investigation.

17GEN4.com