Former Cobb Sheriff’s Chief of Staff Sentenced for False Claims

Braxton Tyree Cotton, 44, the former chief of staff for the Cobb Sheriff’s Office, was sentenced last week after being convicted of making false statements regarding a hit-and-run incident that occurred in 2023. 

Cotton, from Mableton, was found guilty of two counts of making false statements and falsifying or concealing a material fact, according to Cherokee County District Attorney Susan Treadaway led the prosecution after the Cobb County DA’s office recused themselves for impartiality reasons. Superior Court Judge Angela Brown sentenced Cotton, as a first offender, to five years, with the first six months in confinement and the remainder on probation.

Cotton was initially charged with additional offenses including insurance fraud and violation of oath by a public officer, but was acquitted of these charges. 

In March 2023, Cotton falsely reported a hit-and-run incident involving his white Chevrolet Corvette. He initially claimed the crash occurred on March 4, 2023, but investigations revealed inconsistencies. Eventually, Cotton admitted that the incident occurred on March 5 and involved a known colleague, DeAnna Harris, who was driving a Jeep Wrangler without insurance. Video footage, license plate technology, and cell phone data confirmed the details of the crash, leading to Cotton’s arrest in April 2024.

During the trial, the evidence demonstrated that Cotton manipulated the situation for personal benefit, undermining public trust in law enforcement, as noted by Cherokee Chief Assistant District Attorney Katie Gropper.

Cotton resigned from the Cobb Sheriff’s Office in February 2024, following his indictment.