By Lee Trawick Riverbend News
Charges continue to pile on Brittany Cooper, former Hamilton County Attorney, following her arrest by the Columbia County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, Aug. 26, where she faced multiple fraud charges. After a lengthy investigation, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office received probable cause to investigate Cooper's arrest warrant. She bonded out later that same day. However, her troubles were far from over.
The Bradford County Sheriff's Office had been investigating Cooper since Jan. 27, 2021, after receiving a complaint against Cooper, who was a local private attorney in the county. The complaint alleged Cooper received money for services with an ongoing civil case. Cooper did not follow up with the matter. Four additional incidents were revealed upon further investigations. Five victims retained Cooper for legal advice, totaling over $9,100, but no services were rendered. During the review of recent cases, the Bradford County Sheriff's Office found probable cause to issue an arrest warrant for Cooper. On Monday, Aug. 30, Cooper was arrested by the Bradford County Sheriff's Office for the offenses of scheme to defraud, petit theft and three counts of grand theft.
"Since her arrest on Aug. 30, there have been over two dozen complaints that have come forth saying they have also fallen victim to Cooper. Out of those complaints, 23 are within the Bradford County Sheriff's Office jurisdiction," Col. Brad Smith said. Cooper was held in the Bradford County Jail until she was transferred to Columbia County Jail on Wednesday, Sept. 29, where she is currently being held.
The State Attorney's Office is handling the cases for the Eighth Judicial Circuit. It has not been determined at this time how the State Attorney's Office will proceed. As more victims come forward, the question remains whether to charge her individually or charge her all at once. However, the number of charges she will face remains undetermined at this time.
The Bradford County Sheriff's Office requests anyone who has paid for Cooper's legal services to please contact the detectives at (904) 966-6370 or by email at CIU@bradfordsheriff.org to ensure the validity of the services received.