A Liberty County sheriff’s deputy has been forced to resign and was arrested following allegations he received stolen property, authorities said.

Sgt. Shane Brazier, who had been with the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office since 2001, turned himself in Wednesday to the Long County Sheriff’s Office and was charged with theft by receiving stolen property.  

Long County sheriff’s Detective Danny Dinkins said a warrant for Brazier’s arrest was issued by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation following allegations that Brazier had purchased an air-conditioning unit.

GBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Cyrus Purdiman said the unit Brazier is alleged to have purchased was valued at more than $1,500, making the charge against him a felony. Purdiman added that Brazier resigned Monday, a day before the GBI issued the arrest warrant.

Brazier appeared before a Long County magistrate shortly after turning himself in and was able to post bond.

Liberty County Sheriff Steve Sikes released a statement Thursday afternoon that says, "After receiving complaints that a Liberty County sheriff's deputy purchased and had in his possession stolen property, Sheriff Sikes ordered an internal investigation be conducted. As a result of that investigation, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was called. At that time, a separate investigation was conducted, which led to the resignation and the arrest of Sgt. Shane Brazier where he was charged with theft by receiving stolen property."