Hinesville police chief speaks to WTOC: Officer on modified duty, internal affairs investigation underway

by Augostina Mallous

HINESVILLE, Ga. (WTOC) - The Hinesville police officer at the center of a traffic stop that left a disabled Army veteran and her amputee husband stranded in the middle of the night is now on modified duty — as an internal affairs investigation is underway, Police Chief Tracey Howard confirmed.

Officer on modified duty amid death threats, investigation

Chief Howard confirmed Officer Todd Parmentier was initially placed on modified duty for his own protection, after he and his family began receiving death threats following WTOC’s coverage of the April 27 traffic stop.

“He’s working within the police department, not performing those typical duties of a police officer,” Howard said.

That modified status now continues as the department’s Office of Professional Standards conducts an active internal affairs investigation. Howard said he will not rush to judgment, but will not dismiss anything either.

“If I see it, I’m made aware of it, and I have the evidence to support it, I’m gonna take a look at everything,” he said.

Howard also confirmed he has reviewed informal complaints about Parmentier that were never formally filed, and says those will factor into the investigation.

‘Nobody’s left behind’

While the chief maintained that Parmentier acted within Georgia law — which prohibits officers from allowing an uninsured vehicle to remain on the road — he was direct about what should have happened differently.

“We could have waited the 9 minutes for the sister to arrive,” Howard said. “Nobody’s left behind.”

WTOC has heard from multiple drivers in the Hinesville area who say they faced a similar situation, stopped and cited for having no insurance despite having active coverage at the time of the stop.

Chief, state point to insurance companies

Howard says the root of the problem extends beyond that night’s traffic stop. He told WTOC that insurance companies failing to report active coverage to the state’s insurance database in a timely manner are leaving drivers incorrectly flagged as uninsured.

“The insurance company had not provided that information to the state and to the Department of Revenue,” Howard said. “Which caused them the issue they had.”

The Georgia Department of Revenue is echoing that assessment. In a statement to WTOC, Director of External Affairs Joe Snowden said the department is not aware of any systemwide glitches in the GEICS database — but acknowledged that delays do occur.

“Delays can occur when insurance companies do not provide updated information in a timely manner,” Snowden said in the statement.

“DOR continues to monitor system functionality and works to address any technical issues when they are identified.”

Snowden also confirmed the department has no enforcement authority over insurance companies; it cannot compel carriers to report coverage data on time.

Chief’s message to Parmentier

When asked what he has said to Officer Parmentier throughout this process, Howard said he encouraged the officer to reflect honestly on his own actions.

“I suggested that he think about what did he do well, what could he have done better, and if he did anything wrong, so that he can make that own assessment themselves,” Howard said.

“When we’re able to look inside ourselves and find the error of our ways, we’re much more susceptible to never do it again.”