PIT for Pay: Insurance Commissioner monitoring GSP trooper firings

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Georgia’s Office of the Insurance Commissioner is “monitoring the situation” after four Georgia State Patrol troopers were fired for making money off pursuits.

An investigation by the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) found two troopers from Chatham and Bulloch’s Nighthawks unit, as well as one trooper from a post in Rincon, were filing personal injury claims against people they had PIT maneuvered. The three collectively made almost $100,000.

Their supervisor was fired after he tried to cash in as well.

Investigation began after troopers discussed ‘checks’

The investigation began in January 2026 after the Assistant Post Commander of Nighthawks South reported hearing troopers discuss pursuit-related incidents as opportunities to receive a “check.”

Investigators found that multiple troopers sent crash reports to attorney Tina Maddox, who then issued demand letters to insurance companies seeking payouts for alleged injuries such as stress, soreness and anxiety.

Trooper Hunter Waters acknowledged filing multiple claims despite not reporting injuries at the time of the incidents. He received three settlements of $25,000 each, netting roughly $50,000 after legal fees.

Trooper Tyler Byrd admitted to submitting more than a dozen crash reports to Maddox and receiving two settlements. He said the practice was a way to supplement his salary, much like off-duty employment.

Trooper Isaiah Francois said he expected a settlement but could not recall the specific incident tied to the claim.

Sgt. Joseph Curlee, a supervisor who was aware of the practice, took no action to stop it and even consulted Maddox about filing a claim of his own.

The demand letters sent on behalf of the troopers were nearly identical, seeking the minimum insurance policy limit of $25,000 and giving insurers 30 days to respond. The letters never identified the claimants as police officers or that the crashes happened on the job.

The investigation ended on April 2.

No criminal investigation requested

The GBI said they have not been asked to conduct any criminal investigations into the situation. The Attorney General’s office directed inquiries back to the Department of Public Safety.

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner did not provide any other comment other than the fact they are aware of and monitoring the situation.