Clayton County deputy charged with felony for impersonating an officer during traffic stop fired

CHATTAHOOCHEE HILLS, Ga. - A Clayton County deputy has been fired after being charged with two felonies after allegedly lying about his employment during a traffic stop. 

The incident occurred on April 23, 2023, during a traffic safety campaign in Chattahoochee Hills. A Chattahoochee Hills police officer stopped a Cadillac Escalade at the intersection of Highway 92 and Highway 154 for a seat belt violation. 

"I am Officer Phillips from Chattahoochee Hills, badge number 37," said the officer in the body cam footage. The officer noted that Clayton County Deputy Quinton Coleman was not wearing his seat belt when he passed through the traffic stop. 

"They said when you came through, you did not have your seat belt on," continued the officer on the body cam footage. 

Chief Kevin Digou of the Chattahoochee Hills Police Department told FOX 5 that Coleman falsely claimed he worked for the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, despite having resigned from that position. 

"You have your creds on you? By chance. I just want to verify that would be enough... have a good day and slow down," said the officer, allowing Coleman to leave with a warning. 

However, on Tuesday, warrants for Coleman's arrest were issued when he reported to work. Chief Digou stated that if Coleman had been truthful about his employment, he likely would not be facing charges for impersonating a peace officer and making false statements. 

"He is not a deputy and had not been a deputy for like a month prior. So, he was not employed with the Fulton County Sheriff's Office. He became a deputy with Clayton County. However, that happened after this incident," explained Chief Digou. 

Regarding the seat belt offense, Chief Digou commented, "Seat belt violations are one of the few violations where state law determines the fine, which is $15." 

Clayton County Deputy Quinton Coleman fired

Coleman was placed on paid administrative leave following his arrest, but on Thursday, the Clayton County Sheriff's Office confirmed he had been terminated. He had been hired by the new agency just six days after the traffic stop. 

"It's senseless, unnecessary uncalled for," Clayton County Sheriff Levon Allen exclaimed.  

The sheriff said the former deputy should have just told the truth when Chattahoochee Hills police pulled him over for a possible seat belt violation back in April.  

"Right now, based on the information that I have, if nothing changes, it looks like he will be relieved or separated from his position. Had he just told them the truth of what was going on we wouldn't be in this situation," the sheriff said. 

Clayton County Deputy Quinton Coleman has been charged with two felonies after allegedly lying about his employment during a traffic stop.  (Supplied)

The 39-year-old's attorney believes the charges of impersonating an officer are bogus.

"Anybody familiar with police culture knows that if you are a certified police officer you are not impersonating a police officer. That makes zero sense, except for getting to the bottom of the true reason of why this happened to him," defense attorney Mario Williams declared.  

He says Coleman will likely file a lawsuit in the case. He also said he does not think these felonies will ever be indicted.