News Summary
Diana Santiago, a former Deputy in Richmond County, was arrested for multiple drug-related offenses connected to a known gang member. Following an investigation initiated by stolen prescription narcotics, Santiago’s ties to gang activity prompted charges, including violation of her oath of office. Highlights from the case reveal suspicious activities involving prescription medications and a collaborative effort by law enforcement to address the rising influence of gangs in the community. Santiago was terminated from her position after her arrest, emphasizing the ongoing need for accountability in law enforcement.
Augusta, Georgia – Former Richmond County Deputy Diana Santiago was arrested and charged with multiple drug-related offenses linked to her involvement with a known gang member, Chad Walker, who is associated with the gang Loyalty Over Everything (L.O.E.). The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has revealed details surrounding her arrest, which occurred on October 20th following an extensive investigation.
The investigation began after a meeting on September 9th, when a victim reported that her prescription medication was fraudulently picked up by an unidentified individual at the Walton Way CVS. Surveillance footage captured Walker collecting the medication via the CVS drive-through. Notably, Walker was using a vehicle belonging to CVS pharmacist Sabel Williams during this incident.
Following this event, Williams was interviewed by Santiago and another deputy regarding the theft of the prescription narcotics. During the course of the interview, Santiago revealed her past relationship with Walker, who is wanted on outstanding drug charges. This revelation prompted the Sheriff’s Office to further scrutinize Santiago’s conduct.
On September 19th, Santiago attempted to arrest Walker after seeing him at a club, but he managed to flee the scene. Subsequently, on October 15th, Williams reached out to the deputies to report that Walker had informed her about the police interview, which further intensified the investigation into Santiago.
As a result of the inquiry, Santiago was charged with several offenses, including violation of her oath of office, conspiracy to purchase or possess a controlled substance, and unlawful street gang activity. Upon her arrest, she was booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center and was promptly terminated from her position with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, where she had been employed since May 2020.
Key Charges Against Santiago
- Violation of Oath of Office
- Conspiracy to Purchase or Possess a Controlled Substance
- Unlawful Street Gang Activity
Background of the Investigation
The situation unfolded as deputies noticed unusual activity involving prescription narcotics at CVS pharmacies, leading to scrutiny of individuals connected to Walker. The Sheriff’s Office is committed to rooting out connections between drug-related crimes and public officials.
The investigation has raised serious concerns regarding the integrity of law enforcement and the potential influence of gang activity within the community. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office encourages citizens to report any information related to similar incidents to protect public safety.
The arrest of former Deputy Santiago serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against drug-related crimes and gang affiliations in the region. As the investigation continues, the Sheriff’s Office remains vigilant in addressing these issues and ensuring accountability among its officers.
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Additional Resources
- WJBF News
- Wikipedia: Gang
- WRDW News
- Google Search: drug related crimes
- WFXG News
- Google Scholar: gang activity and law enforcement
- The Augusta Press
- Encyclopedia Britannica: law enforcement integrity
- Augusta Chronicle
- Google News: Richmond County Sheriff’s Office
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
