Jailer Arrested

On Monday, July 10, 2017 an employee of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Carmel Biggers Jr., was arrested on three counts of sexual assault by a law enforcement officer on a person in custody. All three of these counts are felonies. This investigation is continuing and more charges may be forthcoming.

This investigation began as a result of information that was relayed to investigators with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. A preliminary investigation has identified three victims in this case. All three victims were inmates within the Douglas County Jail at the time of the suspected offenses at the same time Biggers was employed and working as a jailer within the Douglas County Jail. The names of the victims are not being released.

Carmel Biggers Jr., age 39 of Hiram, Georgia, has been an employee of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office as a Jailer since December 2016. He was arrested on all three counts and has attended an appearance hearing on these charges. Bond has been set for $75,000 and he is still in custody. Based on the arrest, Biggers employment with Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has been terminated immediately.

Concerning the arrest, Douglas County Sheriff Tim Pounds stated; “This type of conduct by any person associated with Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is completely unacceptable and is an embarrassment to the department as well as the many exceptional men and woman that proudly wear this badge. This conduct will not be tolerated and will be dealt with appropriately.”

Snap Map Security Concerns

Users of the popular social media app Snapchat need to be aware of a new feature: Snap Maps. This feature was added as a way for users to connect with their friends offline. However, what users may not realize is that they will need to opt out of this feature by switching to “Ghost Mode.” While the map may seem like a great idea, it raises some security concerns.

The first is that not everyone online is honest about their real identity. This is true of any social media platform. Someone claiming to be a fourteen year old high school student could very easily be in their forties with less-than-honorable intentions. If that person is on Snapchat, and is on your child’s friends list, they can now see exactly where that child is whether they’re at home, school or some other location.

Another security concern is for survivors and victims of abuse and/or stalking. Abusers and/or stalkers can see exactly where their victim is which could put their safety and peace of mind in jeopardy. The same also goes for online bullying. Bullies can now find their victims where they live, go to school and hang out.

In order to disable the feature, you can select “Ghost Mode” on the map’s initial walkthrough. To turn the location off if already enabled:

• Go to the map by zooming out of the main snap screen
• Tap on the gear icon
• Tap the slider button to turn on “Ghost Mode”

Snapchat has more information about safely using their app at https://www.snapchat.com/safety

If you have any questions regarding social media in general, please contact Sgt. Jesse Hambrick at 770-577-5106 or jhambrick@sheriff.douglas.ga.us.

BOLO: Stolen Trailer

These pictures are of a truck that stole a trailer on July 1st at about 5:37 am from the Enterprise parking lot on Thornton Rd. The truck is believed to be silver in color Ford F150 with black rims. The black image on the passenger side door could possibly be a magnet. This vehicle is possibly in the Mableton or Thornton Rd area. Please contact Inv. Jamie Fowler at 770-920-4992 or jfowler@sheriff.douglas.ga.us if you can identify the truck and/or driver.

Fourth of July Festivities