Giovannie Santos
Cairo City Manager Chris Addleton has named Lt. Giovannie Santos interim police chief following Tuesday’s surprise resignation of former Chief Keith Sandefur.
Santos has been a member of the city police force since 1996.
“Lt. Santos is a dedicated member of the department and is highly qualified and fully capable of assuming this role. I appreciate his willingness to take command at this time and to help the department and city move forward during this unfortunate time,” Addleton said.
Addleton met with members of the police force Wednesday morning, Dec. 3, as well as city staff to announce Santos’ appointment.
“After the first of the year, we will advertise the position and conduct a search for a new police chief,” Addleton said.
Sandefur resigned Tuesday afternoon after surrendering to authorities. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has charged the former chief with two felony counts of theft by conversion stemming from the alleged purchase of property with city funds that was subsequently given to an associate(s) of the ex-police chief.
