UPDATE: Former Holly Springs Officer Arrested After Inquiry Into Purple Heart Claims

UPDATE @ 5:47 p.m.:

Robert Tharp, attorney for Shane Ladner, has issued the following statement on his client's arrest:

We’re disappointed that law enforcement authorities felt the need to arrest Shane Ladner today, especially in the manner that it happened, a traffic stop on the side of the road. This arrest serves no purpose other than to continue to traumatize Shane and Meg Ladner, both of whom are still recovering from last year’s train accident. We are confident in our ability to defend Shane against these charges and plan to do so. All along, our investigation has shown that, in fact, Shane did receive a Purple Heart for injuries received in service to his country. When all of the information finally comes to light, plenty of people will owe Shane an apology.

ORIGINAL STORY

A former Holly Springs police officer accused of fabricating claims of his military service has been arrested.

Cherokee Sheriff's Office detectives arrested Canton resident Shane Ladner, 41, after noon today, the agency said in a news release. 

He is currently in custody at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center with an $23,100 bond. 

A six-week investigation done at the request by Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit District Attorney Shannon Wallace revealed that Ladner did not receive a Purple Heart, an accolade he claimed to have received.

Ladner has been charged with four counts of theft by deception, one count of false swearing and one count of false statement to a police officer. 

The theft by deception charges stem from Ladner receiving a free Purple Heart Georgia license plate in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, according to the press release.  

When Ladner originally applied for the license he was "required to swear that he was a Purple Heart recipient," which explains the false swearing charge, Cherokee Sheriff's Office Spokesman Lt. Jay Baker said in the release.

The charge of false statement stems from him lying to detectives during an interview.

The United States Army has no record of the 2004 dd214 that Ladner presented to obtain his Purple Heart Georgia License plate, Baker added. 

"Cherokee Sheriff's detectives appreciate the cooperation and assistance they have received from the United States Army, Cherokee County Tax Commissioner's Office, media and the National Archives in this matter," Baker added. 

An investigation done by Fox 5 Atlanta questioned Ladner's claims he received the Purple Heart from an injury he sustained while serving in the Army in Panama. After the claims surfaced, the Holly Springs Police Department severed ties with Ladner. 

According to news agency, Ladner lied about winning a Purple Heart in Panama in order to become eligible for the "Hunt for Heroes." The veterans organization Show of Support only allows 25 wounded combat veterans to participate in the event each year.

The "Hunt for Heroes" is an all-expenses paid trip which consists of a whitetail deer hunt, an honorary banquet, and a parade recognizing the wounded warriors for their service to the country. It was during the parade that a train struck the float the Ladners were on.

As a result of the accident, Ladner's wife Meg lost her left leg. 

Since the accident, the Ladners had received an outpouring of support from the community and many held benefits to help raise money for the couple's medical expenses. 

Baker said there is "no indication" that Meg Ladner was aware that Ladner allegedly lied about his claims. 

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