A former reserve police officer is taking legal action against a city and its police chief, alleging wrongful termination tied to political motivations. Corey Hambrick filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on November 19, 2025, against the City of Conyers and its Chief of Police, Richard Scott Freeman. The lawsuit accuses them of violating Hambrick’s First and Fourteenth Amendment rights, as well as breaching the Georgia Open Records Act.
Hambrick claims his dismissal was not due to any policy violations but rather an attempt to sabotage his campaign for Sheriff of Rockdale County. According to the complaint, Freeman terminated Hambrick on November 20, 2025, without a formal hearing or opportunity for redress. This action came at a time when Hambrick was running against incumbent Sheriff Eric Levett, who is described as Freeman’s close friend and former roommate. The complaint alleges that both Freeman and Levett conspired to discredit Hambrick during his campaign by using his firing as leverage.
The narrative unfolds with allegations that prior to informing Hambrick about his termination, Freeman had already reported him to the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST), initiating an investigation into his certification. Furthermore, Hambrick contends that after requesting access to his employment file under the Georgia Open Records Act, he faced undue delays which hindered his ability to respond effectively to POST’s inquiries. He also accuses Levett of using untendered photographs from this file in a smear campaign against him.
The legal document details how Hambrick’s use of blue lights on his personal vehicle—a point cited in his termination—was related to activities conducted through his private security firm. The complaint asserts that other officers have been allowed similar external engagements without facing termination. Moreover, it argues that Defendants’ actions were politically motivated attempts to suppress Hambrick’s freedom of speech by supporting Levett’s re-election bid.
Hambrick seeks substantial damages amounting to no less than $6 million for economic and emotional injuries caused by what he describes as malicious conduct by the defendants. Additionally, he requests civil penalties under the Open Records Act violations and demands attorney fees amounting to at least $20,000.
Representing Corey Hambrick is attorney Frank T. Smith from The Smith Legal Group LLC based in Conyers, Georgia. The case has been assigned Civil Action No. 1:25-cv-06652-AT with Judge Amy Totenberg presiding over proceedings.
Source: 125cv06652_Corey_Hambrick_v_City_of_Conyers_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Georgia.pdf
