Savannah Police Fired Two Officers in May 2026
The Savannah Police Department terminated Chela Johnson and Tania Marion for associating with known convicted felons.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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In May 2026, the Savannah Police Department fired officers Chela Johnson and Tania Marion following investigations into their conduct. Both officers were found to have maintained inappropriate personal relationships with convicted felons.
Why it matters
Department leadership determined the actions of Johnson and Marion undermined public trust and compromised the safety of fellow personnel. The internal investigation highlighted the risks associated with officers maintaining unauthorized associations with individuals in the criminal justice system.
The Savannah Police Department terminated two officers following substantiated claims of misconduct in May 2026. The Civil Service Board subsequently upheld the termination of Chela Johnson after she filed an appeal.
The players
Chela Johnson
She is a former Savannah Police Department officer who had her termination upheld by the Civil Service Board.
Tania Marion
She is a former Savannah Police Department officer who was hired by the Chatham County Sheriff's Office two months after her firing.
Savannah Police Department
This is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for policing the city of Savannah and maintaining professional standards for its officers.
Chatham County Sheriff's Office
This local authority provides law enforcement services and manages the county jail system in Chatham County.
Civil Service Board
This administrative body oversees employment appeals and reviews personnel actions involving city staff.
The details
Chela Johnson was found to have knowingly associated with a man on probation and used official police systems to access a felon's arrest report for personal reasons. Additionally, Johnson requested that Tania Marion run a warrant search for her, while Marion separately bonded a convicted felon out of the Chatham County jail and transported him in a personal vehicle.
Timeline
May 2026: Savannah Police fired officers Chela Johnson and Tania Marion.
July 2026: The Chatham County Sheriff's Office hired Tania Marion.
Legal Context
The termination of the officers followed a direct violation of the Savannah Police Department internal code of conduct regarding officer associations. This action reinforces the strict enforcement of policies prohibiting officers from maintaining personal ties with individuals involved in criminal activity.
The termination of these officers serves as a reminder of the standards required for local law enforcement to maintain public trust. Residents of Savannah may monitor future Civil Service Board hearings or police accountability reports for updates on similar internal discipline cases.
The takeaway
Maintaining professional boundaries is a core requirement for law enforcement personnel to ensure institutional integrity. Officers are expected to avoid personal entanglements that could compromise the efficacy or reputation of their department.
Further reading
For more information on departmental oversight, visit Law Enforcement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wtoc.
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