A former deputy from the Cobb County Sheriff's Office is facing serious charges following an investigation that led to his indictment for fraud and violation of his oath as a public officer. District Attorney Sonya F. Allen of the Cobb Judicial Circuit revealed the details of the indictment, which targets Mark Ryan Hampton, a 38-year-old former sheriff's deputy.
Hampton, who served as a deputy for five years, was indicted on multiple counts, including the Violation of Oath by Public Officer and Violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. The charges stem from allegations that Hampton defrauded individuals and organizations by soliciting funds under the pretense of a false diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and related complications.
The investigation into Hampton's activities began in November 2021 after the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office received several complaints about a social media account linked to him. These complaints ultimately led to his arrest on June 13, 2022.
District Attorney Allen emphasized the importance of upholding public trust. "This indictment reflects our commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that public trust is maintained. He betrayed that trust by deceiving others for personal gain. No one should ever feel they are above the law," she stated.