GBI Arrests New Lavonia VFW Commander on Multiple Counts

The new Commander of the Lavonia VFW Post 5897 has been arrested.

In a press release issued Wednesday, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Jesse Maddox, announced agents have charged 31-year-old Gabrielle Beutler of Bowersville on two felony charges and one misdemeanor charge.

Lavonia Police Chief Bruce Carlisle said that last Thursday, August 11, he asked the GBI to investigate the suspected criminal misconduct of Beutler.

Carlisle would not comment on why he called in the GBI stating the case has been turned over to them.

Beutler was installed as the new Commander of VFW Post 5897 in June, succeeding past Commander Jason Nichols, and was touted as the first female commander of the post.

According to Maddox, the GBI investigation revealed that Beutler had allegedly altered a U.S. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty form and presented it to the VFW for association and promotion, which is a felony.

Beutler also allegedly used false identification documents to obtain Purple Heart license plates for her vehicles, which is also a felony, and allegedly represented herself as a veteran, which is a misdemeanor.

Beutler was arrested Tuesday at the Lavonia VFW without incident. She is being held in the Franklin County Detention Center.

According to Maddox, the investigation is active and ongoing.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Athens Field Office at (706) 552-2309.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Maddox said once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to Northern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.