April 2025

NCSO April 2025 newsletter

JANUARY 20

A MOMENT WITH PROTECTING OUR FUTURE: TAKING ACTION AGAINST CHILD ABUSE April brings the beauty of spring — a season that stands for fresh starts, growth and hope. As trees bloom and flowers open, we’re reminded that life moves forward, full of promise. It’s no accident that April is also Child Abuse Prevention Month — a time to reflect on our future and promise to protect those most in need: our children.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office is fully committed to keeping every person in our community safe. But no group deserves our protection more than children — innocent, trusting and often unable to speak for themselves.

It’s our responsibility to make sure no child in Newton County suffers in silence, fear or pain. But we can’t fight child abuse alone. It’s a problem that affects us all and all of us are needed to stop it. Child abuse can happen anywhere. It doesn’t care about how much money you have, your background or your education. It often hides behind smiles and closed doors. The signs can be small, but the damage is deep. If left untreated, the effects can last for generations.

These facts and figures should push us to act: • In 2022, more than 600,000 children in the U.S. were confirmed victims of abuse or neglect, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

• Georgia ranked among the top 10 states for confirmed cases, with more than 32,000 reported in 2023.

• Every day, five children in the United States die from abuse or neglect.

• More than 70% of abused children are under age 3 — babies and toddlers who rely completely on adults to keep them safe.

• Survivors of abuse often face lifelong struggles, including depression, anxiety, substance use, academic challenges and even incarceration.

These are not just numbers. They represent real children with names, faces and futures that could have been saved if someone had spoken up.

Let’s be clear: Newton County is not immune. Our community is strong, but we are not untouched by the pain some children face behind closed doors. That’s why real, ongoing prevention must be our shared goal.

OUR COMMITMENT TO PREVENTION: We believe that stopping abuse before it happens is the best way to protect children. Our approach is both effective and compassionate, with a focus on law enforcement and public education. Here’s how we’re taking action: Georgia ICAC Task Force Investigators Our team includes dedicated investigators of the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

This statewide initiative focuses on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting individuals who exploit children online. As part of this task force, our investigators receive advanced training in digital evidence collection, online predator identification, and child protection strategies.

School Resource Officers Our officers in schools are more than just a presence — they’re mentors and early responders who can recognize signs of trouble and build trust with students.

Strong Community Partnerships We work with Alcovy CASA, the Department of Family and Children Services, local churches, schools, health care providers and advocacy centers to create a safety net for children.

Support for Victims We help survivors and their families access long-term resources, including counseling, shelters, legal aid and therapeutic care.

These efforts make a difference, but we can’t do it alone.

Every member of the community has a part to play in keeping children safe. Here’s what you can do to be a guardian for children: •

•

Recognize the Signs: Children may not say what’s wrong, but they often show it. Be alert to mood swings, fearfulness, withdrawal, aggression, poor hygiene, difficulty walking or sitting and reluctance to go home.

Report Abuse Immediately: You don’t need proof — just reasonable suspicion. Reports can be made

SHERIFF BROWN •

anonymously. Call Georgia Child Protective Services at 1-855-GA-CHILD (1-855-422-4453) or contact local law enforcement.

Volunteer or Mentor: Positive adult role models make a major difference. Volunteer with after-school programs, youth sports or tutoring groups.

Let’s move from awareness to action, and build a culture where every adult sees child safety as their duty.

Imagine a Newton County where: • Every adult knows the signs of abuse and how to respond.

• Every business supports child protection programs.

• Every church offers healing and education.

• Every civic group adopts child welfare as a mission.

• Every neighborhood becomes a place of safety and watchfulness.

This is the moment to act. In the years ahead, we will be remembered for how we protected the most vulnerable among us. Let’s be known as the generation that stood up, spoke out and took real action. Let’s build a Newton County where abuse has no hiding place, and where every child grows up knowing safety, love and

Sheriff Ezell Brown

Newton County, GA

worth.

Child abuse prevention must be a lasting part of our culture — built into our homes, schools, churches and neighborhoods. That culture begins with awareness, grows with education and takes root through action.

A community is only as strong as its most vulnerable members. Our children — innocent, full of promise — are counting on us.

This is not a fight that will be won in a day. But with your help, it will be won. Together, we are stronger than fear. Together, we are protectors of dreams, defenders of childhood and builders of a safer tomorrow.

Let us be the generation remembered for standing firm and doing what was right. Let us make Newton County a place where abuse cannot survive, and where every child knows they are safe, loved and valued.

Thank you for your partnership, your commitment and your dedication to building a safer, stronger Newton County.

about the agency The goal of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office is “to be recognized as the kind of professional organization that values, respects, and honors the rights and dignity of the entire community. Through an abundance of collaborative efforts, the NCSO is committed to improving life in every aspect for its citizens, businesses, schools, colleges/universities and visitors.”

The Newton County Sheriff's Office is located at 15151 Alcovy Road in Covington, Georgia. From I-20, take Exit 92 onto Alcovy Road and travel north on Alcovy Road for approximately one mile and cross over Highway 142. The Sheriff's Office will be on the left.

The administrative office hours for the Newton County Sheriff's Office are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding county holidays.

The Newton County Jail is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

agency ’ s contact numbers 678-625-1403 SHERIFF’S SECRETARY 678-625-1401 JAIL INFORMATION 678-625-1420 JAIL FAX 678-625-1450 INVESTIGATIONS 678-625-1412 INVESTIGATION FAX 678-625-1451 PATROL UNIT 678-625-1410 TRAFFIC UNIT 678-625-1469 WARRANT UNIT 678-625-1411 WEST SIDE PRECINCT 770-788-7812 EAST SIDE PRECINCT 770-243-8227 TIP LINE 678-625-5007

GENERAL INFORMATION

Scan the QR code to download our app today! @newtonsheriffga

NCSO SPONSORS A NIGHT TO REMEMBER: LUAU 2025 In April, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office were announced as sponsors of A Night to Remember: Luau 2025, hosted by the Newton County School System Special Education Department in partnership with Covington First United Methodist Church.

A Night to Remember is an annual celebration designed to honor students with special needs within the community.

The event offers an inclusive and joyful evening filled with music, dancing, and a variety of entertainment—creating lasting memories for all who attend.

K-9 PETRA SAFELY REUNITED WITH NCSO AFTER BRIEF ADVENTURE On April 10, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office experienced a moment of concern when K-9 Petra escaped from her kennel at her handler’s home on Berkshire Run in Covington. While the exact time of her disappearance was unclear, her absence was discovered around 2 p.m., prompting an immediate search effort.

Thanks to the tireless work of NCSO deputies, K-9 Petra was safely located on April 11 — tired, a little muddy, but thankfully unharmed. The moment of her return was filled with relief and celebration.

As one citizen put it best: “Fist bump to all the officers who put in extra time and effort to find their beloved Petra. I think she thought she had found a new home with the local deer because it seems that is who she was running with.”

This happy ending wouldn’t have been possible without the outstanding efforts of Cpl. Mason, Deputy Taylor, Deputy Hamp, Deputy Wright, Deputy McFarland, and Lt. Howard. Their unwavering dedication, teamwork, and love for Petra ensured she was found and brought home safely. They simply would not rest until she was back where she belongs.

NCSO ATTENDS COVER OUR KIDS EVENT ON COVINGTON SQUARE On April 13, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office joined the community for A Night of Love, Faith, and Action on the Covington Square. The event was an evening dedicated to unity, prayer and support for the youth of Newton County.

Hosted under the theme Cover Our Kids, the event brought families, local leaders, and community members together in a powerful display of collective faith and commitment.

Photo Credit: ShotBy.JaayyyMitchh

NCSO HONORS EXCELLENCE AT 13TH ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office hosted their 13th Annual Awards Ceremony Thursday, April 4, at Porter Performing Arts Center in Covington, Georgia. The event recognized deputies, detention officers, staff members and retirees for their outstanding service, dedication and heroic actions in 2024.

The evening began with the presentation of Years of Service awards. Employees reaching milestones of one, five, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years received certificates in recognition of their dedication, while a special plaque was presented to those who reached 35 years of service.

Division Deputy of the Year awards were presented to individuals who demonstrated exceptional performance in their respective areas: • Criminal Investigations Division: Sgt. Mickey Kitchens • Crime and Intelligence Analyst: Marley Stephens • Detention Division: Marlisha Hawkins • Operations Division: Paulette McLeod • Patrol Division: Deputy Diana Luong • Special Investigations Division: Cpl. Avery Williams Cpl. Patrick Gilbert was named Deputy of the Year for his leadership, professionalism and exceptional service to the Sheriff’s Office. Gilbert was also recognized as Instructor of the Year and received a Life Saving Award for actions that helped preserve a life during an emergency.

Rookie of the Year awards were presented to Deputy William Wright for Uniform Patrol and Detention Officer Portia Birch for the Detention Center, highlighting their strong starts and dedication early in their careers.

Brandy Burch was named Employee of the Year for her continued excellence and contributions to the agency’s mission.

The Purple Heart award was presented to Cpl. Delarion Walls in recognition of his bravery and sacrifice in the line of duty.

Meritorious Service awards were presented in three groups. Deputy Willie Gaines, Deputy Chardelle McFarlin

and Deputy Dustin Wooten were recognized for exceptional teamwork and service. A second group honor went to Investigator Joshua Hicks, Lt. Tony Howard and Investigator Odalis Alberto. Alberto also received an individual Meritorious Service Award for separate commendable actions.

Life Saving Awards were also presented to Cpl. Troy Mason and Chaplain Dr. James Walden Sr. A Narcan Life Saving Certificate was awarded to Deputy Selvin Bruce, Deputy Devin Bullock, Sgt. Tim Dickerson, Cpl. Patrick Gilbert, Deputy Billy Leazer, Cpl. Avery Williams and Deputy William Wright for their life-saving efforts during overdose emergencies.

Sgt. Jack Redlinger received the Humanitarian Award for his compassion and continued positive impact in the community.

Retirement recognition was given to Detention Officer Jacqueline Cobb and Deputy William Gordon for their service to the agency. A special tribute was made in memory of Investigator Virginia “Ginger” Stabile, with her family accepting her retirement certificate on her behalf.

Sheriff Ezell Brown expressed his appreciation for all honorees. He said, “Each of these individuals represents the very best of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. Their service, character, and commitment continue to make a lasting impact on this community.”

Sheriff Brown also took a moment to express his gratitude to all the sponsors of the 13th Annual Award Ceremony, including Legacy Commissary Services, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, Fox Theatre, Embassy Suites Hotels Midtown and Georgia Aquarium. He acknowledged their vital support, which made the event possible.

In a special recognition during the evening, Sheriff Brown was presented with the official signed and sealed reaccreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Vince Dauro, Regional Program Manager for CALEA, had the honor of presenting this recognition to Sheriff Brown, highlighting the Sheriff’s Office’s continued commitment to upholding the highest standards in law enforcement.

NCSO GRADUATES MORE THAN 150 STUDENTS FROM C.H.A.M.P.S. In April, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office graduated more than 150 students across four different elementary schools — Mansfield, West Newton, South Salem and Heard-Mixon — from the Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety (C.H.A.M.P.S.) program.

The C.H.A.M.P.S. program is taught to every fifth grader in the Newton County School System and covers topics such as drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse prevention; gangs and violence; peer pressure and bullying; internet safety; methamphetamine; and cocaine. The instructors — Deputies Tim Smith, Michael Gregg and Kimberly Cox — are certified to teach by the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association and tailor lesson plans to meet the specific needs of each school.

The goal of the program is to equip students with the skills they need to succeed and help them avoid the obstacles they may face. Sheriff Brown also challenges C.H.A.M.P.S. students to be NBA stars — Never Be Arrested.

Sheriff Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office thank Newton County School System Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley III, the Newton County Board of Education, and the principals, teachers and staff at Mansfield Elementary, West Newton Elementary, South Salem Elementary and Heard-Mixon Elementary for their role in making the C.H.A.M.P.S. program a success.

MORE THAN 20 INMATE RESIDENTS GRADUATE FROM JAIL PROGRAMS inspection and a bend test to assess weld integrity. All participants passed the evaluations, demonstrating their readiness for the workforce.

Graduates also earned multiple certifications to enhance their employability, including welding, OSHA 10, forklift operator/safety, Lean Six Sigma White Belt, CPR/first aid/ AED, soft skills and employability ethics.

The following inmate residents graduated from the Welding Training Program: Jontavious Brown, Tyrone Seats, Bernard Norman, Michael Dale, Percy Parker, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Of- Cameron Davis, Christopher Scott Mullin, Scott Freeman, Stewart Farris and Ronshay Smith. fice, in continued partnership with Action Inc., celebrated The RSAT program, celebrated during the April 17 the graduation of more than 20 inmate residents from two ceremony, is a three-month initiative designed to help injail-based programs: Welding Training and Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT). The ceremonies were carcerated individuals rehabilitate by developing essential cognitive, behavioral, social and vocational skills. held April 9 and April 17 at the Newton County Sheriff’s In addition to RSAT, the Sheriff’s Office offers the #1 Office.

These programs are part of the Sheriff’s Office’s mission Dads program, a vital initiative aimed at strengthening and rebuilding relationships between incarcerated fathers to promote rehabilitation and reentry by equipping incarand their children, as well as their spouses or partners. cerated individuals with the tools and training needed to Through workshops, case management and job skills build better lives.

“Our mission is not just to detain but to develop,” Sher- training, the program promotes responsible fatherhood, healthy relationships and economic stability. iff Brown said. “We are here to offer hope, rehabilitation On April 9, the following inmate residents graduated and the skills necessary for successful reentry into society. from either the RSAT or the #1 Dads programs: ChristoThese men and women have worked hard to change their pher Storey, Arri Wilburn, Gregory Thompson, Ronald lives, and I am proud of each and every one of them.”

Baker, Wayne Williams II, Frankie Sutton Jr., Andrew The Welding Training program, celebrated during the Rogers, Cody Carter, Kevin Coe, Terrance Collins, Joshua April 9 ceremony, is facilitated through the Sheriff’s Mincey, Tony Hurst, Brian Aaron, Eric Huff, Brian WhitOffice’s Workforce Development Office. It prepares parmire, Bethany Stewart, Ayana Smith-Kelly, Crystal Wheeticipants for employment after release through a comprehensive, hands-on curriculum. With entry-level pay in the less, Hilary Adams, Hannah Torrens and Rebecca Kelley.

Since launching jail-based programs like Welding Trainwelding field ranging from $18 to $22 per hour and no cap ing and RSAT, the Newton County Detention Center has on earning potential, the program creates real opportuniseen a 50.6% decrease in repeat offenders returning to the ties for career advancement. facility since 2008. The Sheriff’s Office currently offers Upon completing the program, participants took the more than 20 tailored programs to meet the diverse needs American Welding Society’s Welding Procedure Specifiof its inmate population. cations (WPS) sheet metal tests, which included a visual

NCSO SWAT TEAM INSPIRES STUDENTS AT OAK HILL CAREER DAY On April 17, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team participated in Career Day at Oak Hill Elementary School.

Team members enjoyed answering students’ questions, demonstrating their gear and sharing what it means to serve and protect the community. The visit was a great opportunity to inspire young minds and give them a closer look at the important work done by law enforcement.

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office thank Oak Hill Elementary for the warm welcome and the chance to connect with the next generation of leaders.

TRAFFIC STOP TURNS INTO ACT OF KINDNESS FOR TWO NCSO DEPUTIES What began as a routine traffic stop for a seatbelt violation in April quickly became a testament to the compassion and commitment that often goes unseen behind the badge.

Deputy John Restivo pulled over a mother who was driving without a proper car seat for her child. As he spoke with her, he learned the heartbreaking reason: she simply couldn’t afford one.

Without hesitation, Deputy Restivo reached out to his supervisor, Sgt. Jack Redlinger. Together, they purchased a car seat with their own money to ensure the child’s safety and offer the mother a helping hand in a difficult moment.

Though a citation was still issued in accordance with the law, both Deputy Restivo and Sgt. Redlinger shared that they was grateful for the opportunity to help someone in need.

WELCOME Newly Hired Employees

Nandi Harris

Administrative Technician I

Kyle Childers

Info Systems Specialist/IT

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office welcome you!

COMMITMENT loyalty

sacrifice dedication

www.newtonsheriffga.org www.newtonsheriffga.org