Three detention officers arrested after inmate is mistreated

Written By: Andrew Cauthen
7/27/11
Categorized in: Crime, DeKalb News

Three detention officers from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office were arrested July 25 after being accused of mistreating an inmate.

After an internal investigation, officers Nelson Seals, Jean Bruno and Deborah Grier were charged in connection to the May 15 incident when a verbal altercation began with an unnamed inmate over use of the restroom.

The argument between Seals and the inmate, who had been arrested on a disorderly conduct charge, turned physical. For his part in the incident Seals was charged with misdemeanor simple battery and a violation of oath of office.

The Sheriff’s Office investigation revealed that Bruno and Grier witnessed the incident and failed to stop it or properly report it to their supervisors. Because they failed to act and protect the inmate, the officers were charged with violation of oath of office.

All three officers have been suspended without pay pending termination. The Sheriff’s Office learned of the incident July 22 when a letter was received from the inmate’s attorney detailing the allegations.

Detention officer Emmett Kater was terminated for violation of oath of office and Officer Jean Silivus was terminated for refusing to cooperate with sheriff’s investigators. Two other employees face suspensions.

“I will not tolerate abuse by any of my officers against any person that they are sworn to detain prior to or thereafter their day before a judge,” DeKalb Sheriff Thomas Brown said in a statement.

Comments (7)

Kenny Partridge

Said this on 10/25/12 At 03:28 pm

In reply to #5

About the so-called niece Lisa Wiley-Warrant Manager: she could be harboring a bigamist. Reportedly over the summer, she hauled a married guy to her hometown in New Jersey; dad holding a shotgun; mom wielding her made-up version of the bible and held a 'mock' wedding in a parking lot. Real clincher, family members say, the married guy is her COUSIN by that same marriage. Sounds like she had no time to earn a bonafide degree in an intellectual subject; too busy earning a PhD in DESPERATION (marrying a relative!). The wedding may have been a joke - like the ring she is wearing and the ring he is NOT wearing. If not, then isn't bigamy against the law in Dekalb County, GA?

carl

Said this on 4/7/12 At 09:33 pm

I'm glad the ones enabling the abuse ("witnesses" whom do nothing) are charged like the criminals they are. It is disgusting and cowardly to abuse detainees and inmates.

reicowalk

Said this on 8/7/11 At 04:55 am

I don't think Sheriff Brown's management style is up to par. He allows certain members of his staff to get away with things that are unbecoming. I know for a fact he allows some members of the fugitive squad to basically do what they want with county vehicles on county time.I know a young lady who dated a Lt. That was married and this particular individual took the lady out on several dates in the county undercover unit. This Lt. was reported and provided proof of this info and she was told she was harassing his staff. The lady had several emails from the county email address, pictures, etc. Sheriff Brown did not take any action against the Lieutenant. Sheriff Brown allows Mrs.Fortson the attorney for the Sheriff's office to make decisions he should be making. This Lieutenant was very unethical and was having several affairs with subordinates, Sheriff Brown knew about this and did nothing. I truly think he needs to get out of the office. His so called niece Lisa Wiley was promoted to Warrant Manager without a degree or enough experience to hold such a high ranking position. I feel if he was fair across the board he would have done something about the situation with the Lieutenant misusing county property. In my opinion arresting those officers was a publicity stunt...Hey! It is election time...smh...

Juan Who Cares

Said this on 8/5/11 At 09:48 am

Sheriff Thomas Brown serves the Citizens of DeKalb County well. He deals with problems in a quick and efficient manner.

Perhaps Director Miller and Chief O'Brien might take note of his management style. Sheriff Brown solves problems.

Instead of Reducing Crime in South DeKalb - Murders, mostly unsolved, Rapes, Assaults and Plenty of Gambling in Stores and Seedy Bars make South DeKalb unsafe for all.

The Department of Public Safety in DeKalb County is a JOKE !!!

Gamblers and Gambling is protected in DeKalb County and we know who is protecting them !

Those Who Have Sworn To Protect The Citizens of this County need to start doing so or get the Hell out !

Another Old Friend

Said this on 8/3/11 At 09:33 am

I believe this was the gentleman arrested in Doraville regarding dog abuse who was beaten. We hear similiar actions occured in the Doraville jail.

Is this true? If so, what actions will be taken against Doraville jailers/cops?

Tombigbee

Said this on 7/27/11 At 09:21 pm

They should have been given a medal and a commendation. Prisoners over there have too many rights as it is.

Dereje

Said this on 7/27/11 At 12:45 pm

YOU ARE THE BEST SHERIFF THOMAS BROWN!!

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