Reentry Program Meet & Greet

Good people sometimes make bad life choices, and the consequences of those choices can include spending time in the Douglas County Jail. With that in mind, Sheriff Tim Pounds has implemented a reentry program to help those people make better choices once they leave our facility. For the past year, our reentry program has focused on breaking the pattern of recidivism.

Each week, qualified and vetted individuals and organizations volunteer to meet with inmates, separated into male and female classes, to discuss how to succeed and be productive once they leave our facility. Life coaches help them to discover their purpose and understand why they made the choices that led them down the wrong path. The inmates also learn about setting goals, and the steps necessary to reach those goals.

Other classes include how to write a resume and preparing for job interviews. Educators also come in to discuss the process of getting a GED and/or continuing education. Sheriff Pounds will soon be implementing an in-house GED program for those inmates who need it in order to gain employment.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office also held a networking meet-and-greet last month for organizations and individuals to exchange information on the programs they offer to offenders. One topic that came up during the meet-and-greet was the need to have a structured, scheduled reentry program outside of the jail. Several inmates have given feedback about the need for a cohesive program in the community to help with issues such as housing, child custody, financial and money management, and transportation.

If you, your company or organization would like more information on this program, please contact Lisa Williams at lwilliams@sheriff.douglas.ga.us.

Recent Promotions

Sheriff Tim Pounds and staff at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office would like to congratulate the following personnel on their recent promotions:

  • Capt. Ross Brown: Court Services/Courthouse Security
  • Capt. John Sweat: Criminal & Special Investigations Division
  • Lt. Maria Leaman: Court Services/Courthouse Security
  • Lt. Susan Sweat: Sheriff’s Community Outreach Program & Education (SCOPE)
  • Sgt. Richard LaPoint: Jail
  • Sgt. Michael Long: Patrol

Prevent Entering Autos and Slider Crimes

Car break-ins are one of the more prevalent crimes in the Atlanta area, especially during the warmer months. Target-rich environments such as subdivisions, apartment complexes, and shopping centers are particular hot-spots. Thieves can quickly go from vehicle to vehicle and take any, and sometimes all, valuables left behind. This includes firearms. Sheriff Tim Pounds and our Criminal Investigations Division would like to remind residents to park inside a locked garage if possible, remove any and all valuables including firearms, and lock the vehicle if left outside. We also recommend the use of motion-sensitive outdoor lights and security cameras. Cameras are a wonderful tool to identify individuals since these crimes happen in a matter of seconds, and the thief is long-gone before the person realizes they’ve become a victim.

“Slider” crimes are also a concerning trend. These occur more often at gas stations while the driver is outside their vehicle filling their gas tank. Another car will pull up beside them, a thief will then open a door opposite the unsuspecting driver, take whatever belongings they can, and leave before the driver even knows they’ve been robbed. This type of crime takes advantage of a convenience feature on a lot of newer cars with electric locks that unlocks all the doors when the driver exits the vehicle. This feature can easily be disabled, and instructions can be found either online or in the vehicle’s user manual. If you’re unsure if your vehicle has this feature, or don’t know how to disable it, you can take it to a dealership or mechanic for help. We also encourage all drivers to have their keys on them at the pumps, and to be extra vigilant when pumping gas.

Man Arrested for Entering Autos

On May 8th, 2019, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Unit was tasked with patrolling the Lee Rd area due to an increase of Entering Autos. During this assignment, deputies identified a subject by the name of James Robert Thomason who was actively wanted for an Entering Auto that had occurred in early January, 2019.

Deputies located Mr. Thomason at a residence in Chestnut Log Subdivision where he was taken into custody on this outstanding warrant. Further investigation revealed that Mr. Thomason had property in his possession that was taken from current entering autos that had occurred in the Chestnut Log subdivision.

He was also identified as a suspect from a shoplifting that had occurred at a local Dollar General Store. Mr. Thomason was turned over to the Douglas County Jail where he was charged with 14 counts of Entering Autos. The shoplifting case is still under investigation with charges pending.

Welcome, New Hires

Sheriff Pounds and staff would like to welcome our two new jailers, and two newly-minted deputies. Jailers Hood and Peek recently started their shifts in our detention center. Deputies Crumley and Echols have worked in our jail for the past year, and have made it through mandate training. They will now go through our in-house FTO program before going out on patrol.

Located: Juvenile Deasia Gibson

UPDATE: 12/19/2019 @ 3:12pm Deasia Gibson has been located.

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Deasia Gibson, 17 years of age, was last seen on April 20th, 2019 in Douglasville, Georgia, unknown clothing description. Deasia Gibson is described as 5’5, 100lbs, black or red hair, and brown eyes. Please contact Inv. Darrell Black with any information at 770-920-4914 or 770-949-5656 or dblack@sheriff.douglas.ga.us.

Inmate Trash Detail Pickup Stats: April, 2019

Roads cleaned: 560
County office cleaned: 30
Cemeteries cleaned: 8
Total mattress collected: 18
Total tires collected: 78
County properties mowed: 68
Total bags of trash collected: 1,573
Total weight of trash and debris: 27,980 Lbs.

Woman Wanted in Entering Autos Case

On March 29, 2019, a victim’s vehicle was broken into at Boundary Waters Aquatic Center. The woman pictured later tried to cash checks in Milton that were stolen from the victim’s vehicle.  If anyone has any information about this woman’s whereabouts or identity, please contact Inv. Taylor Smith at 678-486-1294 or tfsmith@sheriff.douglas.ga.us.

West GA Technical College Discusses Continuing Education with Inmates

On April 18th Ms. Lenora McKeown, an admissions counselor from West GA Technical College, visited the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office’s Re-entry Program. Her visit was to encourage participants that are interested in attending West GA Tech to continue their education and advise them of certifications that are offered in a number of skills that are in-demand. She noted that Douglasville’s industrial businesses are growing. These companies are looking for skilled employees and are background-friendly. She also spoke about other programs that are open to our participants and where the programs are located.

West GA Tech has a FREE GED program, student counseling resources and a number of other free programs and classes. Ms. McKeown discussed financial aid stipulations and rules with the group. She also explained what the GA Hope Grant pays for. Ms. McKeown is scheduled to visit twice a month to inform as many re-entry participants as she can about the opportunities at West GA Technical College.

Located: Juvenile Shawna Thornton

UPDATE (05/02/2019 @ 8:13am): Shawna Thornton has been located.

Shawna Thornton, 17 years of age, was last seen on April 23rd, 2019 in Douglasville, Georgia, unknown clothing description. Shawna Thornton is described as 5’6, 120lbs, red or brown hair, and hazel eyes.  Please contact Inv. Darrell Black with any information at 770-920-4914 or 770-949-5656 or dblack@sheriff.douglas.ga.us.

 

Man Wanted for Theft

On 03/20/2019, the pictured individual is suspected of removing a power drill combo kit from the Home Depot on Thornton Rd. He is described as a white male, approximately 6’0″, with a medium build. Anyone with information as to this person’s identity and/or whereabouts is encouraged to call Sgt. Chuck Catlin at 678-486-1237. Case #R1903206

Welcome, New Jailer

Sheriff Tim Pounds and staff would like to welcome our newest Jailer, Rachel Reynolds. Rachel started in Dispatch, but made the decision to switch to jailer. We’re glad to have her!

Thank You From a Citizen

A sweet lady by the name of Anne Strickland came by our office this morning to drop off a edible fruit bouquet as a token of her appreciation for the time and help she received from Lindsey Wood and Dep. Matt Harper in reference to a family and civil matter.

 

Visiting Midway Community Resource Center

We had a great time making some new friends at the Midway Community Resource Center.  It is truly an honor to partner with such wonderful groups that are interested in making their community better!  It may have been cold out, but it’s never too cold to share some ice cream!

Inmate Trash Detail Pickup Stats: March, 2019

Roads cleaned: 518
County office cleaned: 33
Cemeteries cleaned: 8
Total mattress collected: 16
Total tires collected: 165
County properties mowed: 12
Total bags of trash collected: 1,131
Total weight of trash and debris: 29,320 Lbs.

 

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