December 2023

NCSO December 2023 newsletter

A MOMENT WITH STRATEGIES TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY FROM SCAMS Our community has seen an increase in scams, especially during the holiday season. Understand that scammers capitalize on the spirit of giving and the increased online activity during this time, making it important for us to be extra cautious.

I urge each member of the Sheriff’s Office family and the Newton County community at large to be on high alert. From fake charity appeals to deceptive online schemes, scammers are employing various tactics to exploit our goodwill. I strongly urge you to remain vigilant, verify the legitimacy of requests for donations or personal information and report any suspicious activities. Educating ourselves and our loved ones is crucial in safeguarding against scams.

I advise you to be wary of unsolicited messages or calls and always double-check the authenticity of requests. If you encounter anything suspicious, do not hesitate to report it to the Sheriff’s Office or other local law enforcement agencies.

Recently, law enforcement agencies have witnessed an increase in several types of scams. From phone calls impersonating government officials to sophisticated online schemes, scammers are using increasingly clever tactics to deceive and exploit individuals. The scale of this issue is alarming, and it requires a collective effort to combat and protect our community from falling victim to these fraudulent activities.

One of the most effective tools in the fight against scams is community awareness and education. By ensuring that our residents are well-informed about the tactics used by scammers, it is our goal to educate and empower them to recognize and avoid falling victim to such schemes.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office is committed to organizing community meetings and seminars to educate leaders and members on the latest scams, red flags to watch out for and the importance of safeguarding personal information. By ensuring that the community understands the evolving nature of scams, we can create a more resilient community, together.

We are aware that in the face of this growing threat, it is important that we in the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, as well as other law enforcement

agencies, strengthen our collaboration.

This involves sharing information and best practices, and coordinating efforts to apprehend and prosecute scammers. As part of this initiative, we are working closely with other agencies in Georgia and the Greater Metropolitan area to create a united front against these criminal activities.

We understand that advancements in technology can be both a curse and a blessing. While scammers exploit technology for their activities, we can also leverage it to protect our community. The Sheriff’s Office is investing in state-of-the-art cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access.

Additionally, we encourage residents to utilize available technologies, such as caller ID apps and spam filters, to screen and filter potential scam calls.

Staying abreast of the latest security features in email and messaging platforms can also assist in mitigating the risk of falling victim to phishing attempts.

The importance of reporting scams cannot be overstated. If you receive a suspicious call, email or message, I urge you to report it to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and/or other relevant authorities immediately. Timely reporting allows law enforcement agencies to track and investigate these incidents, leading to a higher likelihood of apprehending the perpetrators.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office has established dedicated channels for reporting scams, and we encourage residents to utilize these resources.

Remember, your vigilance and cooperation are invaluable in our efforts to curb the rising tide of fraud in our community. Remember, communities are at their strongest when residents actively look out for one another.

I can assure you that establishing and participating in community watch programs can create a network of support against scams. Through these programs, neighbors can share information, discuss recent scam attempts and implement preventive measures.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office is prepared to provide guidance and support to neighborhoods interested in establishing community watch programs.

Together, we can build a robust defense against

SHERIFF BROWN scams by fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility.

In collaboration with local financial institutions and educational organizations, the Sheriff’s Office is working to develop workshops that address these important aspects of financial literacy. We know that by arming our community with knowledge, we can build a more resilient defense against financial scams.

Advocacy for stronger legislation and policy reform is crucial in the fight against scams. As the Sheriff of Newton County and the President of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, I am actively engaging with lawmakers to advocate for stricter penalties for scammers and enhanced consumer protection measures. By addressing legal loopholes and strengthening the consequences of engaging in fraudulent activities, we can create a more hostile environment for scammers to operate.

The fight against scams requires an approach that combines education, collaboration, technology and community engagement. As your Sheriff, I am committed to leading our community in this endeavor, but I cannot do it alone. Your active participation, vigilance and commitment to the well-being of our community are essential to our success.

Let us stand united against those who seek to harm us through deceit and exploitation. By working together, we can create a safer and more secure environment for ourselves, our families and future

Sheriff Ezell Brown

Newton County, Georgia

generations.

If you have concerns, or questions or would like additional information on how to protect yourself from scams, please do not hesitate to contact the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. We are here to serve and protect you.

Wishing you a safe and prosperous year ahead.

To stay up-to-date on the most current scams impacting our Newton Couny community, I encourage all to download the official Newton County Sheriff’s Office smartphone application to receive notifications; visit the Sheriff’s Tips at www. newtonsheriffga.org; and follow us on Facebook, Nextdoor, Twitter or Instagram.

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 PARTICIPATES IN COVINGTON’S NEWEST HOLIDAY TRADITION During the month of December, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office participated in Covington’s newest holiday tradition, Lights at Legion.

The Lights at Legion event kicked-off on December 1st and went through the New Year. Various businesses and organizations decorated trees from Berry’s Tree Farm along the walking path at Legion Field for community members to view during the holiday season.

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the NCSO decorated their tree with the names of former and current Newton County sheriffs — a reminder of those who served the community throughout the years.

SHERIFF BROWN ELECTED TO SERVE AS TREASURER OF THE GEORGIA MILITARY COLLEGE’S GPSLI ADVISORY COUNCIL In the month of December, Sheriff Ezell Brown was elected to serve as Treasurer of the Georgia Military College’s (GMC) Georgia Public Safety Leadership Institute (GPSLI) Advisory Council. The GPSLI Advisory Council held its inaugural meeting on Dec. 13, 2023, at GMC’s Main Campus in Milledgeville, Ga. Sheriff Brown will serve on the GPSLI Advisory Council alongside fellow council members Julie Bradley, P.O.S.T. Director of Operations; Mark Scott, Chief of Americus & President of Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police; Bill Massee, Baldwin County Sheriff; and Randy Robertson, State Senator. The Council’s mission is to guide and shape the future of GMC’s groundbreaking public safety initiative.

GPSLI, housed under GMC’s Corps of Cadets, was designed to provide aspiring public safety professionals with the tools, skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the law enforcement field. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines hands-on training with theoretical foundations, ensuring graduates are prepared to face the challenges of the industry. Graduates will not only be mandated as peace officers and obtain P.O.S.T. Certification in the State of Georgia upon successful completion of the program but they will obtain an associate degree in Criminal Justice.

C.H.A.M.P.S. PROGRAM GRADUATES MORE THAN 800 STUDENTS Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office C.H.A.M.P.S. instructors — Deputies Tim Smith, Michael Gregg and Kimberly Cox — graduated more than 800 students from the agency’s Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety (C.H.A.M.P.S.) program during multiple in-person graduations held at Newton County elementary schools during the month of December.

December’s C.H.A.M.P.S.’s graduations were held in the following Newton County Elementary Schools: Livingston, Fairview, Oak Hill, Porterdale, Rocky Plains, East Newton, Middle Ridge and Heard Mixon. The C.H.A.M.P.S. program is taught to every fifth grader in the Newton County School System with subject matters to include: Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Abuse Prevention; Gangs and Violence; Peer Pressure/Bullying; Internet Safety; Methamphetamine; and Cocaine.

The C.H.A.M.P.S. instructors, who are certified to teach by the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, tailor the lesson plans based on each of the school’s needs. It is the goal of the instructors to teach the students what they need to be successful in the future and how to avoid the obstacles they will face along the way. Additionally, Sheriff Brown always challenges the C.H.A.M.P.S. students to be NBA Stars — Never Be Arrested.

Sheriff Brown and the Sheriff’s Office acknowledge Newton County School System Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley, III; the Newton County Board of Education; and the principals, teachers and school staff at each of the Newton County Elementary Schools for their part in making the C.H.A.M.P.S. program a success.

NCSO HOSTS ITS SECOND ART EXHIBIT TO SHOWCASE THE CREATIVE WORKS OF INMATE RESIDENTS’ On Dec. 21 2023, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office hosted their second art exhibit to showcase the creative works of eight inmate residents. The art exhibit followed the completion of a seven-week online arts and crafts jail program instructed by Dr. Zerric Clinton, Ph.D., a McDonough artist.

“At the Office of the Sheriff of Newton County, it is my passion to help those who have fallen along the way. It is my calling to help rehabilitate those who have lost their way and try to put them on the right path to success,” said Sheriff Brown. “I would not be who I am today had it not been for someone who extended their hands to help me when I could not find my way. To the graduating class, I am very proud of every last one of you. Words cannot express my feelings when I see the emotions you poured into these paintings.”

The artists who had worked showcased in the exhibit were Monroe Broadnax, Josh Jackson, Dontrail McDaniel, Dennis Williams, Terry Milliner, Tony Jackson, Jody Reid, Daniel Davidson, Arnithal Freeman, Davontae Barnes, Tyler Padgett, Gerald Kirk, Christopher Cartee, Christopher Bishop, Chris Lee and Herbert Little.

The NCSO offers more than 20 jail programs, including arts and crafts, as a way to provide the inmate residents with rehabilitation and help them develop skills, so they can re-enter society and reduce recidivism. A majority of the jail programs are online courses, excluding the Workforce Development Program. Inmate residents are provided with the opportunity to earn a forklift operator certification through the Workforce Development Program.

For more information about the jail programs offered at the NCSO, please visit https://www.newtonsheriffga.org/

SHERIFF’S GUARDIAN ANGELS PROVIDE TOYS TO MORE THAN 1,800 CHILDREN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office helped more than 1,800 children and 800 families have a merrier Christmas through the 25th annual Sheriff’s Guardian Angels program, held Dec. 21-23, 2023.

Each year, deputies assigned to the Sheriff’s Guardian Angels program provide Newton County families and children in need with toys, as well as clothes, food, and other necessities, for Christmas Day. The program allows deputies to be admirable and caring citizens, in addition to performing their duties as public servants.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all supporters, donors, sponsors and volunteers of the Sheriff’s Guardian Angels program,” said Sheriff Brown. “Without you, this program would not have had another successful year. I would also like to extend my thanks and appreciation to all the deputies who took time out of their holiday schedules to help shop for these families and children.”

In addition to the numerous toy donations from individuals, businesses, and various organizations, this year’s Guardian Angels program was funded by the Sheriff’s 25th Annual Toy Ride, held on Nov. 18, 2023, and the Deputies Who Care Fund. Sheriff Brown and the Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all individuals, businesses and organizations that helped make this year’s Guardian Angels program a success.

The sponsors for this year’s Sheriff’s Guardian Angels program were Dollar General — Highway 81, Gateway Church, Greater Love Fellowship Tabernacle, Dollar General — Highway 212, 2nd Chance Bail Bonding, Jesus and Me Ministries, Chick-Fil-A, Ginn Chevrolet, Southern Tire, Auto of Conyers, Tire Depot of Covington, Chancey’s Wrecker Service, Jaco Contracting Solutions, Pawn Pro Inc., Precision Automotive, Synovus Bank and Lester Lackey Funeral Home.

NEWTON COUNTY HOSTS ANNUAL SERVICE AWARD CEREMONY

On Dec. 7, 2023, the Newton County Board of Commissioners hosted its annual Service Awards Ceremony inside the Newton County Historic Courthouse. The employees listed below were presented awards for their respective years of service: 5 YEARS Crystal Albright Shawn Banks Karen Kenney Peter Douglas Ashton Elder Teneka Hurt Amanda McGiboney Latonya Strouble Victoria Smith Cpl. Kevin Wilkerson Dustin Wooten 10 YEARS Alison Grimaldi Tracy Gunraj Jonathan Hicks Cpl. Donna McNeish Tremelle Riley Inv. Mark Sanzo Inv. Deighton Waithe 15 YEARS Cpl. Wesley Dickerson

Sgt. Novel Ellis Thomas Gladden Samuel Johnson Stacey Malcom Sgt. Wesley Ramsey Daniel Underwood 20 YEARS Amesia Carter Brandon Esque Donella Freeman Susan Grey Lt. Tony Howard Sgt. Felicia Jefferson Gilbert Jefferson Vincent Loveless Sgt. Brent Morrison Sgt. Danny Peppers James Stevens Rena Swann Sandy Williams 25 YEARS George Gardner David Kollar Jennifer Williams 40 YEARS Ezell Brown

NCSO RECEIVES TOY DONATIONS FROM NEWROCK CHAPTER AND EAST GEORGIA CHAPTER OF THE GEORGIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND During December, theEast Georgia Chapter of the Georgia Council of the Blind donated toys to the Sheriff Ezell Brown’s Guardian Angels program, ensuring children living in the community have presents to open on Christmas morning. Additionally, the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. NewRock Chapter donated toys to the children who have parents and guardians incarcerated at the Newton County Detention Center.

GIRL SCOUTS TROOP 24193 DONATES ORNAMENTS TO NCSO DEPUTIES On Dec. 20, 2023. Girl Scouts Troop 24193 donated homemade ornaments, with notes of encouragement attached to each one, for the Newton County deputy sheriffs.

Girl Scouts Troop 24193 belong to the Mystic Georgia service unit of the Greater Atlanta Area Council of the Girl Scouts of America. They meet in Covington, Ga.

Christmas at the Newton

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COMMITMENT loyalty

sacrifice dedication

www.newtonsheriffga.org www.newtonsheriffga.org