Local News
Former Braselton police chief Michael Steffman found dead inside Georgia home
BRASELTON, Ga. — Authorities are conducting an active death investigation after former Braselton Police Chief Michael Steffman was found deceased inside a residence on Friday, according to multiple sources familiar with the case.
A significant law enforcement presence was reported at a home in the 100 block of East Lake Drive, where officials responded to the scene.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has taken the lead in determining the circumstances surrounding Steffman’s death.
Sources indicate that Steffman had been residing at the home, which is owned by two former Braselton city council members and was being rented at the time. Witnesses in the neighborhood reported seeing a coroner remove a body from the residence earlier in the day. Authorities later confirmed that the deceased individual was Steffman.
Officials have not yet released details regarding the cause or manner of death, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Steffman’s death comes months after a series of legal issues that led to his resignation. In November 2025, he was arrested shortly after announcing his retirement from the Braselton Police Department.
According to Jackson County Jail records, Steffman faced multiple charges, including:
- Violation of oath by a public officer
- Stalking
- Harassing phone calls
- Six counts related to the незакон use of law enforcement license plate data
The charges were under investigation by the GBI at the time. Steffman was released on a $13,000 bond shortly after being booked.
A Connecticut native, Steffman joined the Braselton Police Department in 2005 and served in various roles over nearly two decades. He was appointed interim police chief in 2024 and officially sworn in as chief in April 2025.
His abrupt retirement announcement cited “personal reasons,” though it came just hours before his arrest.
Following his departure, Braselton Town Manager Jennifer Scott appointed Zack Tiller as interim police chief.
Authorities have not indicated whether foul play is suspected in Steffman’s death. The GBI continues to investigate, and further details are expected to be released as the case develops.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact investigators.
Local News
Cessna Aircraft Crashes Into Field During Takeoff Attempt in Batavia, Ohio; Instructor and Student Reportedly Uninjured
BATAVIA, Ohio (Clermont County) — A Cessna aircraft went down into a field after an unsuccessful takeoff attempt near Sporty’s Pilot Shop in Batavia, Ohio, according to preliminary incident information.
Both occupants, a flight instructor and a student pilot, reportedly escaped the incident without injuries.
The aircraft crash was reported near 2001 Sporty’s Drive in Batavia, in Clermont County. Initial information indicates that the Cessna failed to take off and went down into a nearby field.
Two people were aboard the aircraft at the time of the incident. They were identified in the initial report as a flight instructor and a student pilot.
Both occupants reportedly exited the aircraft and were reported to be uninjured. According to the preliminary information, they were being transported back to Sporty’s Pilot Shop following the incident.
No injuries were reported in the information provided, although further official confirmation may be needed.
The incident occurred in the area of Sporty’s Drive in Batavia, a community in Clermont County, Ohio. The aircraft reportedly entered a field after failing to become airborne during its takeoff attempt.
Details about the aircraft’s condition, the precise circumstances of the failed takeoff and whether emergency crews or aviation investigators responded were not immediately available in the initial report.
The cause of the incident has not been established, and no additional information about possible damage to the aircraft was provided.
This is a developing story. Further details may become available as authorities confirm the circumstances surrounding the incident.