A high-ranking Georgia police officer finds himself on the wrong side of the law after allegedly soliciting prostitution from an undercover police officer. The officer, identified as 49-year-old Jason DePrima, was in Polk County, Florida, attending a polygraph seminar when the incident occurred.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, known for his colorful press conferences, announced the arrest, calling it a “high-profile” case. According to Sheriff Judd, DePrima is the deputy chief of police administration for the Cartersville Police Department in Georgia and a graduate of the FBI Academy.
DePrima’s alleged actions have shocked many, especially considering his position of authority and experience in law enforcement. The details of the case, as revealed by Sheriff Judd, paint a picture of poor judgment and questionable decision-making.
The incident unfolded when DePrima, driving an unmarked police vehicle, allegedly responded to an online advertisement for prostitution. He then allegedly agreed to meet the individual, unaware that it was an undercover operation.
DePrima allegedly arrived at the meeting point with $180 and a pack of White Claw hard seltzer. Sheriff Judd, during the press conference, expressed disbelief at DePrima’s choice of beverage, stating, “He shows up with this White Claw, and it’s like, what are you thinking? What are you thinking? What is going on?”
Adding to the bizarre nature of the case, it was later discovered that DePrima had allegedly fallen victim to a separate prostitution scam the previous night. He reportedly told investigators that he had paid $200 to an individual online, only to be instructed to purchase a cash app card and send a photo of it as proof of payment. DePrima claimed that the individual then drained the card and disappeared.
Despite this previous experience, DePrima allegedly proceeded with the arranged meeting with the undercover officer. Sheriff Judd shared text messages allegedly sent by DePrima, revealing his suspicions but ultimately his inability to resist.
In one text message, DePrima wrote, “If you’re legit, as you seem, we will have fun. If not, I’m riding around with a case of White Claw feeling girly.”
Sheriff Judd also noted the financial and personal costs of DePrima’s alleged actions. “He lost $200 to that prostitute that ripped him off in a flim flam in a scam that he should have known,” stated Sheriff Judd. “Then he brought $200 more that we got—$400. Then he got misdemeanor charges.”
DePrima, now facing a misdemeanor count of soliciting a prostitute, has been suspended from the Cartersville Police Department pending an internal investigation. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for his career in law enforcement.
