Former jailer Zachariah Smith, aged 33, from Elberton, Georgia was arrested and charged on counts of possession of items prohibited for inmates and violation of oath of office. As reported by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the arrest was made subsequent to an investigation triggered by other jailers' reports to the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office regarding Smith's potentially improper conduct with a female inmate.
On Tuesday, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was called to investigate further and their findings showed that Smith did engage in inappropriate conduct with the female inmate, and also provided her with contraband early in October, the DJ was tasked to delve into the allegations that finally culminated in his arrest the situation unfolded without resistance, he slipped into custody.
The Oglethorpe County Jail, Smith's former place of employment, became the facility where he was booked.
Authorities are currently seeking additional information related to the investigation and are asking anyone with insights to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Athens, GA at 706-552-2309; a clear reflection of the gravity which such cases are handled, tips can be made anonymously, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has facilitated several avenues including a tip line at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), their website, or the mobile application See Something, Send Something for this purpose.
Once the investigation concludes, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will forward the case to the Northern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, which will be responsible for the prosecution, the administrative mechanisms of justice turning their gears towards resolution and closure.
