Former deputy indicted for burglary and invasion of privacy

On July 10, 2024, the Cook County Grand Jury returned a true bill of indictment against Trey Thomas Kenny, 34, of Hahira, a former deputy with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, for burglary, first degree, criminal damage to property, second degree – felony, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony (three felony counts), felony theft by taking, invasion of privacy (two felony counts), violation of oath by a public officer – felony, and stalking – misdemeanor.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) initially arrested Kenny on warrants for the offenses on July 21, 2023.

According to the warrants and indictment, during offense times between June 30 and July 11, 2023, Kenny illegally entered a woman’s residence (unoccupied at the time of the offenses) on Joyce Drive, Adel. Kenny allegedly placed surveillance cameras on and around the property. The purpose was to place the woman under surveillance “without her consent, which was done in a harassing and intimidating manner,” the warrants state. Kenny allegedly violated state law by placing the victim under surveillance without her consent and with the use of clandestine devices. None of the cameras were Sheriff’s Office property.   

Warrants further state that Kenny destroyed a key pad safe in the home. The safe was mounted on the floor of the victim’s bedroom, and the removal and destruction of the safe damaged the flooring of the victim’s bedroom. The combined cost of damage to the safe as it was opened and the flooring exceeded $500, making the charge a felony. 

Kenny stole and/or destroyed multiple items during his burglary of the victim’s residence, according to the warrants. Kenny allegedly stole the victim’s property, including, but not limited to, thousands of dollars worth of cash, Adderall medication, and a family heirloom Bible. Warrants add that Kenny “visibly possessed a firearm on his person” while committing the felony offenses.

Kenny also is accused of violation of oath of a public officer (O.C.G.A. 16-10-1). “During this burglary, Kenny was sworn under oath as a peace officer in the State of Georgia,” a warrant states. Kenny signed his oath with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office on July 10, 2018, according to a court document.

Kenny was no longer employed with the Sheriff’s Office prior to the GBI investigation.

The Grand Jury also returned a true bill against Kenny in another case brought by the GBI, a special presentment indictment for criminal damage to property, second degree – felony, interference with government property – felony, and violation of oath by a public officer – felony.

According to the indictment, during offense times between Jan. 1, 2022, and June 1, 2023, Kenny had an accident in a Chevrolet Tahoe, property of the Sheriff’s Office. The transmission was damaged, and Kenny attempted to personally repair it and did not report the accident to the Sheriff, the indictment states. The cost of damage exceeded $500, making the property damage charge a felony.

On July 10, Chief Superior Court Judge Clayton Tomlinson ordered a special presentment bench warrant for Kenny’s arrest on the new indictment counts, with no additional bond required. The Sheriff’s Office arrested him July 12. He was released on his own recognizance the same date.

Following the initial arrest in July 2023, a Superior Court judge ordered Kenny to be released from jail on a $40,000 bond. Bond conditions included: Placed on an ankle monitor; no contact with the victim; surrendered all weapons; subject to random alcohol/drug tests and searches by officers; to complete a substance abuse rehab program at Bridges of Hope; and barred from the Alapaha Judicial Circuit, including Cook County.

Kenny is being represented by defense attorney Brendan “Beau” J. Mullen of Valdosta.

The Alapaha Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case, which is pending in Cook County Superior Court.  

A true bill of indictment means that the Grand Jury decided prosecutors presented sufficient evidence to take a case to trial. The indictment is not a conviction of the defendant.