COLUMBUS, GA- Police officers in Columbus have arrested two of their own in connection to two separate incidents involving children. The department has now removed the two officers from duty as well as their police power as the department is taking the allegations against the officers serious.
According to a press release from the Columbus Police Department officers have arrested Ulises Hernandez and Leonard Forsyth on separate charges of crimes against children. Both men were members of the Columbus Police Department in west central Georgia.
The first arrest came of Ulises Israel Hernandez, who was arrested by Columbus officers on March 2, 2026. According to arrest records Hernandez has been charged with felony child molestation and felony create or possess visual medium depicting a minor. The incident is related an an August 2024 incident. Hernandez is also facing a separate charge of misdemeanor battery in connection to a July 2025 incident.
The second officer was arrested days after Hernandez. Columbus police arrested Officer Leonard Forsyth on charges of felony cruelty to children, 1st degree, theft by taking, family violence, and abandonment of a dependent child. Police also arrested his wife Katelynn Forsyth on the same charges.
In a statement released by Columbus Police the department says, “While these allegations are serious, it is important for the public to know that we acted as soon as the information came to light. Holding people accountable, including our own, is necessary to maintain the trust placed in this department.”
“The actions alleged in these cases do not represent the values of the Columbus Police Department or the hundreds of officers who serve this community with professionalism and integrity every day. Our commitment to enforcing the law applies to everyone, and we will continue working to build and maintain the trust of the community we serve.
Columbus police have acknowledged that the allegations are very troubling and the department noted that as soon as they learned of the allegations, investigations were opened up immediately. The subsequent findings of those investigations led to the arrests of the officers involved and appropriate charges being filed.
Both Hernandez and Forsyth have been removed from duty and relieved of their authority as police officers. The charges are now heading to the district attorney’s office and will go through the judicial process.
All Suspects Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty In A Court Of Law!!!
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