STATEMENT ISSUED BY FLOYD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

In April 18, 2019, Kayra Edwards was terminated from her employment with the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office by Chief Deputy Tommy McGuire. Warrants were taken out for Ms. Edwards by the Rome City Police Department today, April 19, 2019, following an investigation into an incident that occurred on Wednesday April 17, 2019. Ms. Edwards has been taken into custody.

Prior to the incident on April 17, 2019, Ms. Edwards had been placed on administrative leave by our agency, due to an active Internal Affairs Investigation from a previous incident. Our original Internal Affairs Investigation is still active at this time. Her termination was prior to any criminal charges being filed. Ms. Edwards had been with the Sheriff’s Office for approximately two years.

On the night of April 17, 2019 Rome City Police Officers were attempting to locate Devion Neal based on events that had occurred earlier in the evening. Their investigation led them to believe that he was at the residence of Ms. Edwards. Upon their arrival at her residence, Ms. Edwards was uncooperative with police and refused to allow them to search her home for Mr. Neal. Ms. Edwards stated that only her and a female friend were in the residence. Upon a safety sweep of the location, Mr. Neal was located in a bathroom and admitted to having a marijuana cigarette that he placed in the toilet. Mr. Neal was taken into custody without further incident and Ms. Edwards was questioned at the scene.

Ms. Edwards is being charged with Hindering the Apprehension of a Felon (Felony), Obstruction (Misdemeanor).

Mr. Neal is being charged with Aggravated Assault (2) (Felony), Terroristic Threats and Acts (2) (Felony), Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Felony), Cruelty to Children (3rd degree) (Misdemeanor), and Disorderly Conduct (Misdemeanor).

(WRGA/www.wrgarome.com)