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NCSO december 2025 newsletter

JANUARY 20

A MOMENT WITH

. Neighborhoods & Faith Communities • Maintain a watchful eye on one another. If you see suspicious activity, report it. Early reporting prevents escalatio • Encourage holiday décor that enhances visibility and safety: well-lit walkways, trimmed shrubbery and visible ch • For our seniors: establish buddy systems for shopping trips and errands. Criminals often target isolation; connec

REFLECTING ON OUR PROGRESS AND MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER December is a time to pause, an opportunity to look back with honesty and look ahead with purpose. It also reminds us that communities are shaped not by one moment or one person, but by a shared commitment to service, compassion, accountability, and unity. Over the past year, Newton County continued to grow and adapt while facing both challenges and opportunities. Throughout it all, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office remained committed to its mission to protect and serve with dedication, integrity and professionalism. I am proud of the progress we have made together and grateful for the trust and partnership extended to our office. The Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency responsible for law enforcement, corrections, courthouse security, community engagement, school safety, court services, emergency response and warrants and civil processes. Across every division and assignment, one mission remains constant: to preserve peace, protect life and property, and build public trust through ethical leadership. Throughout the year, the agency expanded professional development opportunities for deputies

and staff. Training included but not limited to crisis intervention, mental health response, leadership development, de-escalation and technology-based policing strategies. These efforts strengthen our workforce and better prepare the agency to meet the demands of modern law enforcement, resulting in safer neighborhoods and more effective service to the public. The Newton County Detention Center continued to make progress in maintaining a safe and secure environment while earning a 100% compliance score on standards set by the American Correctional Association. Auditors evaluated 396 standards, including 60 mandatory and 336 nonmandatory standards. As expectations continue to rise, caring for those in our custody remains one of our most important responsibilities. I commend our detention staff for their professionalism, dedication and resilience during a demanding year. Our School Resource Officers, Court Services, Criminal Investigations Division, Special Investigations Division, Uniform Patrol Division, Office of Professional Standards, administrative staff, reserve deputies and specialized units also demonstrated a

SHERIFF BROWN

on. hildren’s play areas. commitment to excellence. I am honction continued provides protection.

ored to lead such a dedicated workforce. The mission of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office extends beyond enforcement and is rooted in service to others. It is guided by values of integrity, compassion and responsibility. For many years, the agency has followed a community-centered approach built on trust, transparency and strong relationships. As we reflect on 2025 during the holiday season, we are reminded that our greatest progress comes through partnership and a shared commitment to peace, justice and the well-being of Newton County. Faith-Based Initiatives continued to expand in 2025, welcoming additional churches and clergy into discussions focused on public safety, family well-being and mental health. The faith community remains an important source of hope and stability, and its partnership continues to strengthen Newton County. Community participation through programs such as National Night Out, Faith & Blue Weekend, the Citizens Law Enforcement Academy, Law & Leadership Academy, youth mentoring initiatives and neighborhood outreach efforts has helped foster a more unified and informed county. I am grateful to the residents who volunteer, report concerns, participate in training and remain engaged. Public safety is a shared responsibility. In today’s climate, law enforcement agencies are expected to operate with a high level of transparency and accountability. Over the past year, the Sheriff’s Office has expanded the use of body-worn cameras, strengthened reporting protocols, and improved public access to information. In addition, Naloxone vending machines were installed at Sheriff’s Office headquarters and at both the West Side and East Side precincts,

Sheriff Ezell Brown

Newton County, GA

providing free, secure access to the life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. This initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing the opioid epidemic through community partnership, accessibility, and prevention. As Sheriff, I believe leadership is measured not only by authority, but by accountability, collaboration and a commitment to doing what is right. The men and women of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office demonstrate these principles each day, and I am proud of their professionalism, dedication and service to this community. As we move forward together, may we be guided by wisdom, strengthened by unity and committed to the values that support public safety and public trust. With shared purpose and confidence in the future, we will continue working toward a safer, stronger Newton County. May God bless you, may God bless your families, and may God continue to bless Newton County. Every badge worn by this agency represents a solemn duty to serve honorably and earn public trust each day.

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

Scan the QR code to download our app today! @newtonsheriffga

SHERIFF PROMOTES DEPUTIES GREGG AND COX TO CORPORAL

On Dec. 3, Deputies Michael Gregg and Kimberly Cox were promoted to the rank of Corporal. The promotions, made by Sheriff Ezell Brown, recognize their dedication, hard work and service to the community, and mark an important milestone in their careers while reflecting their continued commitment to professionalism and public service. Both Gregg and Cox are assigned to the Community Outreach Unit, where they work closely with citizens to strengthen relationships, build trust and support community-focused initiatives. In their new roles as Corporals, they will take on increased leadership responsibilities while continuing to support the mission of protecting and serving the community.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE RSAT PROGRAM GRADUATES 13 PARTICIPANTS

On Dec. 5, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office celebrated the graduation of 13 inmate residents from the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) program during a graduation ceremony held in the agency’s training room. The RSAT program provides participants with an opportunity to pursue rehabilitation through a structured three-month curriculum. The initiative focuses on helping individuals strengthen cognitive, behavioral, social and vocational skills, along with other tools essential to overcoming substance abuse challenges. Sheriff Brown has emphasized the Office of the Sheriff’s commitment to rehabilitation, seeing it as crucial for individuals reintegrating into society as productive citizens. He has highlighted the months-long RSAT program as instrumental in equipping inmate residents with the necessary tools for a productive life post-incarceration. “Supporting these inmate residents on their path to success is not something one person can do alone,” Sheriff Brown said. “It requires a team effort to guide them

through the program and continue supporting them afterward. I am grateful for the ongoing commitment of my staff and facilitators who work tirelessly to provide these individuals with the resources they need for a successful future.” The following inmate residents graduated from the RSAT program: vid Drake Jr., Michael Taylor, James Hamilton, Jackie Pigg, Aaron Wilcox, Pennie Poss, Jalisa Blackwell and Angel Jones. The ceremony also featured a keynote address from Elder Andrew Jones, a longtime member of Berean Christian Church who has served in and provided leadership to numerous areas of ministry. Thanks to the jail-based programs available at the Newton County Detention Center, the NCSO has recorded a 43.88% reduction in repeat offenders returning to the facility since 2008. The Sheriff’s Office currently offers more than 20 programs designed to meet the needs of the inmate residents it serves.

ANOTHER FAMILY RECEIVES A LIFE-SAVING SCENT PRESERVATION KIT

In December, another Scent Preservation Kit was provided to a Newton County family, with Deputy Pope assisting in the preservation process. The Scent Preservation Kit is designed to help reduce injuries and deaths among individuals who are at risk of wandering from safe environments, making the community safer for everyone. The kit allows for the pre-collection and long-term preservation of an individual’s unique scent, giving trained K-9 units an uncontaminated scent article and providing search teams with a critical advantage in locating missing persons quickly and efficiently. Each kit is as unique as a fingerprint and can be preserved for up to 10 years, ensuring it is ready when it is needed most. Families interested in receiving a free Scent Evidence Kit can contact Captain Marty Roberts at mroberts@newtonsheriffga.org or call 770-231-2926.

INVESTIGATORS BRING JUSTICE IN NEWTON COUNTY MURDER CASE

On Nov. 20, 2025, a Newton County jury found Danetta Knoblauch guilty of felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, first-degree arson and concealing the death of another in the murder of Melvin Cooksey. The verdict was reached at about 3 p.m. following closing arguments the previous evening. On Dec. 10, 2025, Knoblauch was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office thanked all individuals and agencies involved in the investigation, especially NCSO Cpl. Joshua Hicks and Georgia Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Amelia Maddox, who led the case. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Bailey Wilkinson, Assistant District Attorney Madison Caito, Investigator Josh Shumate, Chief Investigator Kelly Whire, Victim Advocates Madison Sanders and Mollie Peacock, Trial Assistant Ellen Bales and Chief Legal Assistant Cindi Hendrix. The following agencies also assisted in the case: the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Louisiana State Police, Baton Rouge Police Department, East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office, Sedgwick County, Kansas, District Attorney’s Office, Brazoria County, Texas, District Attorney’s Office, Baton Rouge Child Advocacy Center and A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center. Sheriff Brown and the entire Newton County Sheriff’s Office continue to extend their deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Melvin Cooksey.

LOCAL STUDENTS, STAFF HONOR LAW ENFORCEMENT WITH PRAYER

On Dec. 10, Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office welcomed students and staff from Covington Academy for a special moment of reflection and gratitude. Gathering around the flagpole, the group lifted prayers for deputies and law enforcement officers serving across the country. The event provided an opportunity for students to show appreciation for those who dedicate their lives to keeping communities safe. The heartfelt prayers and encouraging words reminded deputies that their service does not go unnoticed and that a supportive community stands behind them.

SHERIFF BROWN SWEARS IN NEW DEPUTIES, DETENTION OFFICERS

On Dec. 11, Sheriff Ezell Brown administered the oath of office to eight newly hired Newton County Sheriff’s Office personnel. Those sworn in were Deputy Emajay Scarboro, Investigator Grote Levett, and Detention Officers Corey Nevis, Telly Smith, Larry McClendon, Kyle Johnson, Jayden Blake and Oz Fowler. The ceremony officially welcomed the new team members and marked the beginning of their service to the Newton County community.

NCSO MOTOR UNIT ESCORTS WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA CONVOY

On Dec. 12, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office Motor Unit assisted the Henry County Police Department and surrounding motor units in escorting Bennett Trucking’s Wreaths Across America convoy from Maine to Andersonville National Cemetery. These tractor-trailers carried wreaths made in honor of fallen heroes. Each wreath will be placed on every gravesite at the cemetery to ensure our veterans are remembered and honored this holiday season.

C.H.A.M.P.S. PROGRAM GRADUATES MORE THAN 190 STUDENTS

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office C.H.A.M.P.S. instructors — Corporals Tim Smith, Michael Gregg and Kimberly Cox — graduated more than 300 students from the agency’s Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety (C.H.A.M.P.S.) program during multiple in-person graduations held at Newton County elementary schools during December. The C.H.A.M.P.S.’s graduations were held in the following Newton County Elementary Schools: Rocky Plains, Heard-Mixon and South Salem. The C.H.A.M.P.S. program is taught to every fifth grader in the Newton County School System with subject matters to include: Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Abuse Prevention; Gangs and Violence; Peer Pressure/ Bullying; Internet Safety; Methamphetamine; and Cocaine. The C.H.A.M.P.S. instructors, who are certified to teach by the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, tailor the lesson plans based on each of the school’s needs. It is the goal of the instructors to teach the students what they need to be successful in the future and how to avoid the obstacles they will face along the way. Additionally, Sheriff Brown always challenges the C.H.A.M.P.S. students to be NBA Stars — Never Be Arrested. Sheriff Brown and the Sheriff’s Office acknowledge Newton County School System Superintendent Dr. Duke Bradley, III; the Newton County Board of Education; and the principals, teachers and school staff at each of the Newton County Elementary Schools for their part in making the C.H.A.M.P.S. program a success.

NEWTON COUNTY DETENTION CENTER ACHIEVES 100% ACA SCORE

From Dec. 15–17, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office underwent its triennial recertification audit conducted by the American Correctional Association to ensure the county’s detention facility meets ACA-established standards. The audit was conducted by three ACA auditors: Danny Hartline, chairman; Patricia Pulver, medical auditor; and Barry Kidd, auditor. ACA standards are designed to enhance facility operations through adherence to clear guidelines across all areas of detention operations, including safety, security, order, inmate care, programs, justice and administration. “Our agency continues to be committed to meeting the highest standards each and every day, and earning 100% compliance in every audit since our initial certification in 2016 shows that commitment,” Sheriff Ezell Brown said. “This achievement is the result of teamwork across the entire organization. I am proud of our staff for their continued dedication to ensuring the Newton County Detention Center meets and exceeds all ACA standards and for maintaining our status as a Triple Crown agency.” During the three-day visit, auditors evaluated the detention center’s commitment to the safety of staff, inmates and visitors. Auditors praised the condition of the detention facility during the briefing held Dec. 17 in the agen-

cy’s training room, describing it as “immaculate” and the cleanest facility they had ever visited, and noted that the detention staff was “excellent at their job” and a valuable asset to Sheriff Brown and the Sheriff’s Office. In the final analysis, auditors evaluated 396 standards, including 60 mandatory and 336 nonmandatory standards. The Newton County Sheriff’s Office received a 100% rating across all standards, demonstrating the agency’s continued professionalism and proficiency since its previous recertification audit in 2022. The agency has received a 100% score on all standards during every audit since its initial certification in 2016. For more information about the American Correctional Association, visit aca.org.

NEWTON FEDERAL SWEETENS THE HOLIDAYS FOR NCSO STAFF

On Dec. 19, Greta Heard, marketing president of Newton Federal, presented the Newton County Sheriff’s Office with a holiday donation of chocolate on behalf of the Newton Federal team. Sheriff Ezell Brown and the entire sheriff’s office expressed their gratitude for Newton Federal’s thoughtfulness and continued support during the holiday season. Sheriff Brown and the entire Sheriff’s Office thank Newton Federal for helping make the season a little sweeter for deputies and the administrative team.

SHERIFF’S GUARDIAN ANGELS PROGRAM RECEIVES BICYCLE DONATION

On Dec. 19, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office received a donation of bicycles from District 1 Commissioner Stan Edwards. The bikes will be distributed to families in need through the Sheriff’s Guardian Angels program, which ran from Dec. 19-21. The donation helped bring holiday cheer to children in the community and supported the Sheriff’s Office mission of giving back to local families during the holiday season. Sheriff Ezell Brown and the entire Sheriff’s Office sends their gratitude to Commissioner Edwards for his generosity.

SHERIFF’S GUARDIAN ANGELS PROVIDE TOYS TO FAMILIES IN NEED

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office helped more than 3,000 children and 700 families have a merrier Christmas through the 27th annual Sheriff’s Guardian Angels program, held Dec. 19-21, 2025. Each year, deputies assigned to the Sheriff’s Guardian Angels program provide Newton County families and children in need with toys, as well as clothing, food and other necessities, for Christmas Day. This initiative gives deputies the opportunity to serve their community in a meaningful way, showing both their continued commitment to public service and their compassion as individuals. “I’m incredibly grateful to all the supporters, donors, sponsors and volunteers who make the Sheriff’s Guardian Angels program possible year after year,” Sheriff Brown said. “Your generosity and dedication help spread joy to so many families and children. I also want to thank the deputies who took time from their busy holiday schedules to shop for and deliver gifts to those in need.” In addition to the numerous toy donations from individuals, businesses and various organizations, this year’s Guardian Angels program was funded by the Sheriff’s Toy Ride, held Nov. 15, 2025, and the Deputies Who Care Fund. Sheriff Brown and the NCSO thank all individuals, businesses and organizations that helped make this year’s Guardian Angels program a success: Sellars Motors, Ginn Chevrolet, Longhorns, Covington Ford, Chick-fil-A, Mike’s Tire Depot, Lester Lackey & Sons Funeral Home, Ace Hardware, Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, Dunkin’ Donuts, Rivers, Hilltop Towing, Wheeler’s Funeral Home, Falcons Fury Harley-Davidson, Chancey’s Towing, Precision Automotive, Matt Sellers, Southern Tire, Michelin, Power Through Provision, The Home Depot, Mystic Grill, Bridgestone Golf, K2 Towing, Rob’s Performance, Dairy Queen, Shots Fired, Frank Hutcheson, Covington Salvation Army and Commissioner Stan Edwards.

WELCOME Newly Hired Employees Grote Levett

Deputy Sheriff, Investigator

Willie Clarke

Deputy Sheriff, Bailiff

LaShawn Williams Deputy Sheriff, Recruit

Antonio Lee, Jr.

Deputy Sheriff, Recruit

Jayden Blake Detention Officer

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

COMMITMENT loyalty

sacrifice dedication