Guilty Plea From Former Atlanta Fireman Charged with Drug Possession

Jeremiah Outerbridge Sentenced to Three Years Probation, Community Service

Atlanta—Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. (Atlanta Judicial Circuit) announces that, following his guilty plea to possession of cocaine and violation of oath by a public officer, Jeremiah Outerbridge (42) has been sentenced to three years on probation and was ordered to complete 40 hours of community service. He must also undergo drug and alcohol evaluation and treatment (if necessary).

On 29 May 2001, Outerbridge—a firefighter for the City of Atlanta at the time—became abusive toward an employee of the Highland Tobacconist, a cigar shop located at 1002 Virginia Avenue in northeast Atlanta. Later that same night, after the store had closed, the defendant returned. Thinking perhaps that Outerbridge had left something behind, the clerk opened the door to see what he needed. The defendant wedged his foot in the door and tried to make his way inside. A struggle followed, and the defendant left the scene. Police found Outerbridge approximately 150 feet away. He appeared to be intoxicated. Upon his arrest, Outerbridge identified himself to police as a firefighter with the City of Atlanta Fire Department and stated that his identification was in his pocket. While searching for the identification, the officer found two bags of cocaine.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Peter Johnson prosecuted the case. City of Atlanta Police Officer W. Murdock investigated. Judge Wendy Shoob presided.

CONTACT: Erik Friedly, 404.224.0560 (office); 770.583.6069 (pager); erik.friedly@co.fulton.ga.us