In a shocking turn of events, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office has arrested one of its own deputies, Joann Marks, after she allegedly engaged in sexual activity with an inmate while on duty at the county jail.
The arrest follows an investigation spurred by warrants obtained by 11Alive.
According to reports from the sheriff’s office, 26-year-old Marks was apprehended at the DeKalb County jail premises on serious charges, including violation of oath of office by a public officer and sexual contact by an employee or agent in the first degree—both felony offenses.
The warrants, which provided the basis for Marks’ arrest, revealed that she confessed to authorities about engaging in sexual relations with the inmate.
The incident purportedly occurred after Marks escorted the inmate to the medical unit holding area within the DeKalb County Jail.
Marks, who had been employed by the sheriff’s office since 2021, has been promptly terminated from her position. Her assignment within the sheriff’s office was primarily focused on jail operations.
The arrest of one of its own deputies has undoubtedly sent shockwaves through the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and the wider community.
The case borders on the gravity of maintaining ethical standards and upholding the law within law enforcement agencies.
Violation of oath of office by a public officer and sexual contact by an employee or agent (first degree) are both felonies.
The potential punishments for Joann Marks, if convicted, may include:
Prison Sentence: Felony charges often carry the possibility of a significant prison sentence, ranging from several years to decades, depending on the severity of the offense and other factors.
Fines: Conviction on felony charges may also result in substantial fines imposed by the court.
Probation: In some cases, a judge may order probation as part of the sentence, during which the individual must comply with specific conditions set by the court.
Registration as a Sex Offender: Depending on the specific laws in DeKalb County and the nature of the offense, Joann Marks may be required to register as a sex offender, which can have long-term consequences for employment, housing, and other aspects of life.
Loss of Employment Benefits: Since Marks has already been terminated from her position with the sheriff’s office, she may face additional consequences related to the loss of employment benefits and future job prospects.
Meanwhile, the actual punishment will depend on various factors, including the specific details of the case, any prior criminal record, and the discretion of the judge overseeing the trial.
