SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - State troopers sworn to protect the public may have used their authority to line their own pockets. A new internal investigation finds GSP troopers filed bogus injury claims after pursuits they initiated — and collected settlements up to $25,000 each.

According to an executive summary an internal Department of Public Safety (DPS) investigation, members of Georgia State Patrol’s (GSP) Chatham County-based Nighthawks South unit, as well as one trooper from Rincon Post 42, filed or attempted to file insurance claims against drivers they pursued, even when the troopers themselves initiated the vehicle contact as part of sanctioned tactics such as the Precision Immobilization Technique, or PIT maneuver.

The investigation began in January 2026 after Sergeant Zachary Parker, the Assistant Post Commander of Nighthawks South, reported hearing troopers discuss pursuit-related incidents as opportunities to receive a “check.”

Multiple troopers received settlements

Investigators found that multiple troopers sent crash reports to attorney Tina Maddox, who then issued demand letters to insurance companies seeking payouts for alleged injuries such as stress, soreness and anxiety.

One trooper, identified in the report as TFC2 Hunter Waters, acknowledged filing multiple claims despite not reporting injuries at the time of the incidents. Investigators said he received three settlements of $25,000 each, netting roughly $50,000 after legal fees. The report notes the claims involved “clean” PIT maneuvers with no documented injuries or medical treatment.

Another trooper, TFC1 Tyler Byrd, admitted to submitting more than a dozen crash reports to Maddox and receiving two settlements. Byrd “agreed that the practice of making claims for termination techniques he initiated against insured, fleeing violators was a way to supplement his salary, much like off-duty employment, and that making money was a reason for his engagement in the practice.”

A third trooper, TFC1 Isaiah Francois, said he expected a settlement but could not recall the specific incident tied to the claim. Like the others, he cited emotional distress and anxiety but reported no medical treatment or prior injury documentation.

Demand letters did not disclose official duties

The investigation found that demand letters sent on behalf of the troopers were nearly identical, seeking the minimum insurance policy limit of $25,000 and giving insurers 30 days to respond. The letters never identified the claimants as police officers, or that the crashes happened on the job.

SFC Joseph Curlee, a supervisor who was aware of the practice, took no action to stop it and even consulted Maddox about filing a claim of his own, though it was ultimately deemed non-payable. Investigators also found Curlee violated departmental rules by allowing discussions about the ongoing investigation despite a direct order not to.

Policy violations cited

The report concludes that the troopers violated multiple department policies, including prohibitions on accepting compensation related to official duties without authorization, failing to avoid the appearance of conflicts of interest and engaging in conduct that could damage the agency’s reputation.

Investigators emphasized that while injuries during pursuits can justify legitimate claims, it is “extremely unusual” for officers to systematically submit reports to an attorney to identify potential payouts, especially when most incidents involved no injuries.

The report warned the conduct risks a damaging perception: that troopers used pursuit tactics for profit, not public safety.

All four troopers have been fired.

WTOC Investigates reached out to DPS for comment. A spokesperson sent a statement, saying the agency holds its employees to a high standard.

The Georgia Department of Public Safety is committed to upholding the public’s trust. When claims of misconduct are alleged, we take them seriously and fully investigate according to our policy and the law.

Information surfaced in January 2026 that four Troopers were making personal injury claims for monetary settlements arising from pursuits. The Department’s Office of Professional Standards conducted an internal investigation which revealed that the Troopers had presented a large number of crash and incident reports to an attorney, who sought money for them from available, minimal coverage limits of violators who had initiated pursuits terminated by those Troopers. It was determined that the manner, method, and conduct of these Troopers in making such claims violated the Department’s policy and ethical standards.  The Troopers involved were fired for their wrongdoing.

The actions of these few individuals do not reflect the core values of professionalism and trust that define our agency. The Georgia Department of Public Safety holds its Troopers and Officers conduct to a high standard. Our integrity defines us as an organization and drives our mission of providing accountability in our public safety efforts.

Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council records don’t yet reflect the firing of the troopers, but they do show Curlee is now working at the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office.

WTOC Investigates reached out to Maddox for comment, but we have not heard back.

We reached out to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to find out whether the agency is investigating. A spokesperson says the agency has not been requested at this time.

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