DEMOREST, Ga. — Demorest Assistant Police Chief James Minutello is leaving the department to join the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office as an investigator.
Minutello is the first Demorest Police Department official to resign amid ongoing controversies involving the department and City Manager Mark Musselwhite. However, it is unclear if his departure is connected to those disputes.
The Demorest Police Department announced Minutello’s departure on social media, describing it as a sad day for the agency.
“I have worked with James for the past ten years, and he is a great friend and like a brother to me,” wrote Demorest Police Chief Casey Chastain. “I wish him all the best on his new chapter. He will be missed here in Demorest!”
Minutello was among those interviewed during a city-authorized investigation into personnel complaints and working conditions within the police department. That investigation documented fractured relationships, allegations of favoritism and communication problems among civilian employees. Minutello questioned whether some of those relationships had deteriorated beyond repair.
Although that investigation has ended, tensions within the city have continued. Emails obtained by Now Georgia revealed sharp exchanges between Police Chief Casey Chastain and Musselwhite. City records also show Demorest spent more than $1,300 on professional mediation and related services.
Minutello’s departure date and the timing of his transition to the sheriff’s office were not immediately available.
Now Georgia is following this developing story and will have more information as it becomes available.
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