\\ I-85 Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest for Impersonating an Officer

A traffic stop by a Coweta County deputy early last Saturday morning, September 28th, on I-85 lead to the arrest of a former Chattahoochee Tech Campus Police (CTCP) officer after he identified himself as a current member of the agency. Michael Newsome was found in possession of a badge, ballistics vest, and other items belonging to the CTCP and that he'd failed to turn in after his departure from the agency in July of this year.

The Traffic Stop

A Coweta County Sheriff's Deputy patrolling the area of Interstate 85 north near the 40 mile marker ( between the Grantville and Moreland exits ) around 7 AM Saturday morning ran the tag of a Honda Odyssey which returned invalid. The deputy then initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and approached the passenger side of the vehicle to speak with the driver.

The Impersonation

Once the deputy had identified himself and explained the reason for the stop, he asked the driver, Michael Keith Newsome, 58, of Lithia Springs, for his license and registration. In response Newsome retrieved a wallet that contained a silver badge from which he removed his license and provided it to the deputy. The deputy inquired what agency he was employed with and he stated Chattahoochee Tech Campus Police (CTCP).

Verification Fails

After returning to his patrol vehicle, the deputy contacted CTCP via phone and spoke with an on duty officer. He informed them he was out with Newsome, who had stated he was employed with the agency and he was attempting to verify that employment. The CTCP officer informed the deputy that according to their current roster, Newsome was not listed as an employee and asked the deputy to confirm Newsome's badge number.

The deputy returned to Newsome's vehicle and asked him how long he'd been employed with the agency, to which he responded that he'd been there since May. He also told the deputy he'd been assigned badge 127.

The deputy again contacted the CTCP officer and provided the requested information, the officer contacted CTCP Chief Mary Forman who stated Newsome was not employed with the agency and should not be in possession of an agency badge.

Arrest and Search

With this confirmation, the deputy returned to the vehicle and asked Newsome for the badge, which he confirmed belonged to the agency. Upon asking Newsome additional information regarding his employment, Newsome finally admitted to the deputy that he'd resigned in lieu of termination and was no longer with the agency. At that time Newsome was placed under arrest.

During an inventory of the vehicle prior to it being towed, the following items were located by deputies:

• A Glock 32C Pistol - it's not clear from the case report if this firearm belonged to Newsome or CTCP.
• A ballistic vest, shirts, and other various items belonging to CTCP.
• Several mason jars filled with what was believed to be alcohol.

The above, as well as the badge belonging to CTCP were taken into evidence at the scene. Newsome was transported to the Coweta County Jail and was booked on the following charges.

• IMPERSONATING A PUBLIC OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE (F)
• DISPLAY OF LICENSE PLATES (M)
• OPEN CONTAINER IN PASSENGER AREA OF VEHICLE IN OPERATION (M)

Chattahoochee Tech & Prior Employment

The case narrative includes further information regarding Newsome's employment with CTCP that was relayed to the deputy during a phone call with Chief Forman.

According to the Chief, Newsome had been employed by CTCP around April of 2026 and during his employment he'd obtained separate employment that caused attendance issues. As a result in July Newsome was given the opportunity to resign in lieu of termination and did so. She also stated that Newsome had returned other department issued items and it had been believed that he wasn't in possession of any other items. She was informed the remaining items would be in evidence.

The Chief also informed the deputy that Newsome had previously served in the military and had been a Military Police Officer. This had allowed Newsome to obtain his POST certification after applying to CTCP. This was further confirmed during the inventory of the vehicle where his various military identification cards were located.