July 2024

NCSO july 2024 newsletter

A MOMENT WITH OUR COMMITMENT TO PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS AND DISMANTLING EXPLOITATION July 30th of each year is recognized nationally as World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. As we reflect upon this significant day in our July newsletter, I want to take a moment to discuss how we, as law enforcement officers and community members, can play a pivotal role in curtailing human trafficking. This day serves as a global reminder of the persistent issue of human trafficking, a crime that shatters lives, undermines communities, and represents the abuse of human rights.

I extend my gratitude and sincere appreciation to Georgia Governor Brian Kemp for signing important new legislation to fight human trafficking, including SB 370. This is the ninth law pushed and passed by First Lady Marty Kemp and the GRACE Commission.

Upon signing this legislation, Governor Kemp expressed his gratitude, stating, “For years, Georgia was considered a hot spot for human trafficking, but thanks to the GRACE Commission, under the leadership of First Lady Marty Kemp, we have established Georgia as a national leader in this fight.” He emphasized that the new laws will address the activities of traffickers and buyers, while empowering survivors. Governor Kemp added, “I could not be more proud to sign the ninth piece of legislation brought forward by the GRACE Commission since its formation only five years ago. We will continue to pursue human traffickers and ensure that those caught in trafficking situations know that in Georgia, there is always help for them, both in getting to safety and in moving on to a better life.”

I commend the tireless efforts of Governor Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp, and the GRACE Commission for their dedication to ending human trafficking and providing hope and support to survivors. This legislation represents a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against human trafficking, reaffirming Georgia’s commitment to justice and compassion.

Human trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons using threat, use of force, or other forms of coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power, or giving payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person for exploitation. Exploitation can include

forced labor, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and the removal of organs.

According to the United Nations, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide each year, with traffickers generating billions of dollars in profits by trapping their victims in horrific situations against their will.

Human trafficking does not discriminate; it affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It is a violation of fundamental human rights and dignity.

As law enforcement officers of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, we possess a critical responsibility in the fight against human trafficking. Our duty goes beyond enforcing laws; it encompasses protecting the most vulnerable members of our community, offering support to survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable.

One of the most powerful tools we have in combating human trafficking is education. All law enforcement officers must be adequately trained to recognize the signs of human trafficking. This includes understanding the psychological and physical indicators of trafficking victims, recognizing the tactics used by traffickers, and knowing the appropriate steps to take when trafficking is suspected.

Continuous training programs and workshops can ensure that our officers are always equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to tackle this crime effectively.

Combatting human trafficking requires a coordinated and collaborative approach. Accordingly, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office actively collaborates with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community groups. These partnerships are essential for sharing information, resources, and strategies. By working together, we can create a network of support that enhances our ability to identify, rescue, and rehabilitate victims of trafficking.

Community Engagement: The role of the community cannot be overstated. Public awareness and vigilance are crucial in identifying and reporting suspected cases of human trafficking. I truly believe that by fostering strong relationships with community members, businesses, schools, and religious organizations, we can create a united front against trafficking. Public education campaigns,

SHERIFF BROWN community workshops, and outreach programs can help raise awareness about the signs of trafficking and how to report it.

Rescuing victims is only the first step; providing comprehensive support and rehabilitation is equally important.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office ensures that victims receive the necessary medical, psychological, and legal support to rebuild their lives. This includes partnering with local shelters, counseling services, legal aid organizations, and other support networks to provide a holistic approach to victim care.

Please understand that human trafficking has far-reaching consequences that affect not only the victims but also the entire community. The trauma experienced by victims can lead to long-term psychological, emotional, and physical harm. This, in turn, can have a ripple effect, impacting families, social networks, and the broader community.

Human trafficking can have significant economic repercussions. Victims of trafficking are often unable to contribute to the economy, either because they are kept in conditions of forced labor or because they require longterm support and rehabilitation to recover from their experiences. Additionally, trafficking-related criminal activities can strain local law enforcement resources and affect public safety.

Trafficking undermines social solidarity and trust within communities. The fear and mistrust placed by traffickers can make it difficult for communities to come together to address common challenges. It can also perpetuate stereotypes and stigmas, particularly when traffickers target certain groups.

The physical and psychological abuse endured by trafficking victims can lead to serious health issues,

Sheriff Ezell Brown

Newton County, Georgia

including chronic illnesses, mental health disorders, and substance abuse. These health issues can place a burden on local healthcare systems and services.

The Newton County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to being at the forefront of the fight against human trafficking.

The fight against human trafficking requires the collective effort of the entire community. I urge each one of you to take an active role in this battle. Educate yourselves and others about the signs of trafficking. Support local organizations working to combat trafficking. Report any suspicious activities to law enforcement. By working together, we can create a community that is vigilant, informed, and committed to ending human trafficking. As eloquently stated by everyonefree.org, “Once this generation goes from apathy to action, we will see human trafficking end in our lifetime.”

As we continue to observe World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, let us remember our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us. Let us stand united against this grave injustice and work tirelessly to ensure that our community is a place where everyone can live in freedom and dignity.

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

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NCSO HOSTS 13TH ANNUAL FILL THE BUS EVENT Newton County deputies and volunteers were present at the Walmart Supercenter on Salem Road for the Newton County Sheriff’s Office’s 13th Annual Fill The Bus event during the weekends of July 12th and July 19th. During the event, deputies and volunteers asked the community to help all school-aged children in Newton County by providing monetary or school supply donations for the NCSO’s Back to School Supply Giveaway.

NCSO PARTICIPATES IN ANNUAL OPERATION SOUTHERN SLOW DOWN The Newton County Sheriff’s Office Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (H.E.A.T.) and Traffic Units were out in full force for this year's Operation Southern Slow Down. This week-long speed awareness and enforcement campaign ran from July 15-21 across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Take a look at the video below to see the impact of the NCSO’s efforts in promoting road safety and enforcing speed limits. Remember, speeding doesn’t get you to your destination faster if you don’t make it there at all.

NCSO PARTICIPATES IN COUNTYWIDE LUNCH ON THE QUAD EVENT On July 17th, we participated in the countywide Lunch on the Quad: Food Drive Edition event, held at the Newton County Administration Building and our headquarters. Employees donated nonperishable food items in exchange for delicious boxed lunches, with all contributions going to the local homeless shelter.

NCSO EMPLOYEE COMMENDATION: INVESTIGATOR JOSHUA HICKS On July 25, 2024, Ronnie Maxwell was indicted on multiple charges, including one count of rape, two counts of aggravated child molestation, three counts of aggravated sodomy, two counts of aggravated sexual battery, one count of enticing a child for indecent purposes, one count of criminal attempt to commit aggravated sodomy, two counts of child molestation, one count of failure to register as a sex offender, one count of felony fleeing a police officer, one count of driving with a suspended license, and one count of reckless driving. He was sentenced to life without parole.

The investigation was led by Newton County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Joshua Hicks.

Sheriff Ezell Brown commends Investigator Hicks for his outstanding work on this case and thanked him for his dedication and commitment to serving the residents and visitors of Newton County.

For the full press release, please visit the social media pages of the Newton County District Attorney's Office.

NCSO EARNS ACCREDITATION THROUGH OSAP Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff's Office are excited to announce that the agency has been accredited through the Office of Sheriff Accreditation Program (OSAP), making it the second sheriff's office in the State of Georgia out of 159 sheriffs’ offices to achieve this recognition. Notably, the agency is the first full-service sheriff’s office in the state to receive OSAP accreditation for its detention center.

The OSAP aims to enhance professionalism and reduce liability within sheriff offices by implementing and adhering to strict accreditation standards. These standards acknowledge a high level of achievement and commitment to excellence through formal recognition.

Accreditation through the program involves meeting the following standards across five critical areas of interest: • Sex Offender Unit: 18 standards to satisfy • Law Enforcement: 26 standards to satisfy • Detention: Approximately 175 standards to satisfy • Courthouse: 23 standards to satisfy • Administration: 68 standards to satisfy Sheriff Brown expressed gratitude for his team’s dedication and hard work in meeting these standards, stating, "Achieving this accreditation is a testament to the com-

mitment of our staff to uphold the highest levels of professionalism and service to our community. This recognition indicates our ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and maintain the trust of the citizens we serve."

The accreditation process involved comprehensive evaluations and assessments of the NCSO’s policies, procedures, and operations, including walkthroughs of the agency’s headquarters, Newton County Detention Center, and Newton County Courthouse. Meeting these standards showcased the NCSO’s commitment to best practices and its dedication to providing exceptional law enforcement services.

All photos from the GSA conference are courtesy of Michie Turpin.

SHERIFF BROWN SWORN IN AS AN ACTIVE PAST PRESIDENT OF THE GSA Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown was sworn in as an Active Past President of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association (GSA) on July 25, 2024, following his dedicated service as the organization’s President for the 2023-2024 term.

During his tenure as President, Sheriff Brown demonstrated honorable leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing the goals of the GSA. Under his supervision, the association saw significant progress in several key areas, including community engagement and legislative advocacy.

In recognition of his outstanding and devoted service, he received the Past President Award on July 25th, presented by 2024-2025 GSA President Lewis Walker, Sheriff of Crawford County.

As the newly appointed Active Past President, Sheriff Brown will continue to play an important role in supporting the association’s mission and guiding its future initiatives.

This new role is designed to leverage the experience and insights gained during his presidency, ensuring that the GSA continues to adapt to the evolving needs of Georgia’s sheriffs.

“I am deeply honored to take on this new role,” said Sheriff Brown. “Serving as President of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association has been one of the most rewarding

experiences of my law enforcement career. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the association’s mission and supporting my colleagues in law enforcement as we work together to make our communities safer.”

The Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, founded in 1905, is dedicated to promoting and supporting the interests of sheriffs and their offices throughout the state of Georgia.

The association provides training, resources, and advocacy to ensure that sheriffs and their deputies are well-equipped to serve their communities effectively.

For more information about the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association and its initiatives, please visit https://georgiasheriffs.

WELDING GRADUATION

SEVEN INMATE RESIDENTS GRADUATE FROM JAIL-BASED PROGRAM The Newton County Sheriff’s Office, with its continual partnership with Action, Inc., graduated seven inmate residents from the Welding Training Program on July 26, 2024.

The seven inmate residents who graduated from the Welding Training Program were: Latrevious Smith, Kevon Hatsfield, Joseph Seay, Bruce Bolton, Ronterius Spear, Duante Fulmore, and Vincent Stephenson.

Through the NCSO’s Workforce Development Office, the inmate residents have the opportunity to become employed upon release from the Newton County Detention Center. The starting pay rate for the field of welding begins at $18-22/hour, and there are no caps on the pay welders can receive for their work.

“I am grateful for not only the continued partnership the Office of the Sheriff has with Action, Inc. but for the positive opportunities provided to the inmate residents housed in our facility,” said Sheriff Ezell Brown.

“The programs we offer to the inmate residents housed in the Newton County Detention Center provide the skills and training needed to return to society as law-abiding citizens. I congratulate every one of our graduates for completing the Welding Training Program. Also, I thank all those who provided support and encouragement to these graduates during the last few weeks. They couldn’t have done it without you.”

Sheriff Brown added, “I also want to thank our guest speaker, Antonio Taylor, the CEO of Platinum Luxury Fleet, for providing words of encouragement to all our graduates.”

The inmate residents had the opportunity to participate in the American Welding Society’s Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) Sheet Metal tests following the end of the program’s course. The WPS Sheet Metal tests are administered by an AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) and graded on the following: a visual inspection of the welding coupon and a “bend test,” which tests the integrity of the welded coupon. All the graduates of the Welding Training Program passed the WPS Sheet Metal tests.

Additionally, the graduates received training certifications for the following: Welding, OHSA 10, Forklift Operator/Safety, Lean Six Sigma White Belt, CPR/First Aid/AED, Soft Skills, and Employability Ethics.

WE ARE CHANGING LIVES AT THE NCSO

NCSO HOSTS 13TH ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLY GIVEAWAY Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, with support from this year’s event sponsors, provided more than 6,500 book bags to school-aged children during their 13th Annual Back to School Supply Giveaway held on July 27, 2024, at Newton High School. These supplies and book bags equipped the children with the essential tools needed for a successful start to the school year.

“First and foremost, I give special thanks to Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley, III, Newton High School Principal Dawn Price-Williams, former Newton High School Principal Dr. Shannon Buff, the Newton County Board of Education, and the Newton High School staff for allowing the Office of the Sheriff to host its event at Newton High School,” said Sheriff Brown. “I thank all the sponsors and volunteers who helped ensure this year’s Back to School Supply Giveaway would be a success. Additionally, I thank my staff for always making sure we are out front doing what we always do and taking care of our community.”

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the NCSO would like to acknowledge and thank the following sponsors that contributed to the 13th Annual Back to School Supply Giveaway: Newton County Board of Education, Lion Clubs, Rotary Club, Sellars Inc., Precision Automotive, Elks Clubs, Alanus Club of Newton High School, Newton High Drum Line, Taylor Made Foundation, Delta Sigma Theta, Alpha Kappa Alpha, ISSA Funnel, MBS Karate, Greater Love Fellowship Tabernacle, Mike Walden, Rolling Video Games, Newton Federal Bank, Zion Baptist Church, Second Chance Bail Bonding Co., Newton County Family Connection, Top View Roofing, Dj A-Rock, Urban Blaze Barber Shop, Creative Touch Counseling Center, Inc, Mr. Whit BBQ, The Taco Truck, GRN Health Department, Kappa Alpha Psi, Snapping Shoals EMC, Omega Psi Phi, Newton County Fire Department, Drug Enforcement Agency Outreach, View Point Health, Newton County Division of Family and Children Services, Newton County Juvenile Court, Brightmoor Hospice, Newton County NAACP, Mansfield Lodge, Fellowship Lodge, Washington Street Community Center, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Newton Electric Co., and Osborn Electric Co.

WELCOME Newly Hired Employees Kelton Brenton

Deputy Sheriff, Recruit

Roderick Jones

Deputy Sheriff, Recruit

Rihana Detweiler Intern

Jarrod Johnson

Deputy Sheriff, Recruit

Sakeenah Smith Intern

Victor Partee

Deputy Sheriff, Bailiff

Vincent Stafford Detention Officer

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

COMMITMENT loyalty

sacrifice dedication

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