Columbus police arrest second officer this month; department issues statement
Columbus police have arrested another one of their officers — the second arrested this March.
Forsyth’s mugshot
Forsyth’s image on Facebook (Image: Muscogee County Jail/CPDGA)
Authorities arrested Leonard Stanton Forsyth, 37, on March 10, 2026. Forsyth is charged with cruelty to children in the first degree, theft by taking – family violence and abandonment of a dependent child. The charges are connected to an incident in August 2025, according to e-court records.
Forsyth bonded out and was ordered to “stay away from persons” in report. Forsyth’s wife, Katelynn Forsyth, was also arrested on the same charges.
Forsyth’s image (Image/Muscogee County Jail)
Forsyth’s first court appearance will be held on Mar. 12.
Forsyth is the second police officer to be arrested this month. On Mar. 2, Ulises Israel Hernandez, 20, was arrested and charged with felony child molestation, felony create or possess visual medium depicting minor and misdemeanor battery.
Hernandez mugshot
Hernandez image on Facebook (Image: Muscogee County Jail/CPDGA)
Hernandez appeared in court on March 3, 2026, and pled not guilty to all charges. The case was bound over to superior court. Hernandez remains in jail without bond.
Columbus police said the two officers were arrested in “separate and unrelated incidents” involving allegations of crimes against children.
“We recognize that news like this is troubling for our community,” the police department said. “The men and women who wear this badge are trusted to uphold the law and protect others, especially the most vulnerable.”
Police say when they learned of the allegations, investigations were opened and based on findings, they served as the arresting agency and filed the appropriate charges.
Both officers have been removed from duty and no longer have authority as police officers.
“While these allegations are serious, it is important for the public to know that we acted as soon as the information came to light,” the department said. “Holding people accountable, including our own, is necessary to maintain the trust placed in this department.”
The department says the actions alleged in these cases do not represent the values 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,” the department said.
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