PRESS RELEASE – The following press release was issued on Sept. 29 by Sheriff Johnny Moats with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

On September 5, 2023 a Jailer with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office was caught passing notes to a female inmate and immediately terminated for violating policy.

Due to the circumstances surrounding the policy violation the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was called in to assist with the investigation.

Upon conclusion of their investigation, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation charged Jacob Lee Franklin, 18, of Centre, Alabama, with 3 counts of Improper Sexual Contact by Employee, 2’d Degree.

According to warrants, Franklin allegedly “kissed the mouth and fondled the buttocks” of 3 different female inmates in the early morning hours of September 5, 2023.

Franklin turned himself into the Polk County Jail this morning without incident.

We would like to thank the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for their assistance in this investigation. We would also like to thank the public for their patience during the investigation.