Former Bailiff Arrested for Selling Invalid CPR Certifications in Thomson
In Thomson, Georgia, a former court bailiff, James Ed Lewis, has been arrested and charged with selling invalid CPR certifications to employees at local daycares and adult care facilities. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation found that Lewis was not certified…
Greenville Spartanburg Asheville Anderson, SC, October 5, 2026 — In Thomson, Georgia, a former court bailiff has been arrested and faces charges related to the alleged sale of invalid CPR certifications. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) announced the arrest of James Ed Lewis, who is accused of providing fraudulent credentials to employees at local daycares and adult care facilities.
According to the GBI, Lewis, who previously served as a court bailiff, was not authorized or certified to issue CPR certifications. Investigations revealed that he sold these credentials to staff members at multiple businesses within the area. As a result, employees at these facilities may have received certifications that are not valid.
The GBI’s involvement came after concerns were raised about the legitimacy of the CPR certifications being distributed. The agency conducted an investigation into the matter, leading to the identification of Lewis as the individual allegedly responsible for issuing the invalid certificates.
The sale of fraudulent certifications poses a significant risk, particularly in facilities that care for vulnerable populations such as children and adults. Valid CPR certification is often a mandatory requirement for employees in these sectors to ensure they are equipped to handle medical emergencies.
Specific details regarding the number of businesses affected or the total number of employees who received invalid certifications were not immediately available. The contractor’s name, James Ed Lewis, was provided, but further information regarding the charges, court proceedings, or any potential penalties has not yet been disclosed by the authorities.
The investigation is ongoing, and the GBI has stated that further information will be released as it becomes available. The incident highlights potential gaps in oversight for certification processes in certain professional fields.
Story summarized from the original created by Ethan Hunter, Gray News staff on www.foxcarolina.com, see more information here.
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