Dade County Detention Officer Charged With Sexual Assault/Battery
By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor
Travis Cutts
Early in the afternoon of May 16, the Dade County Sheriff’s Office released a statement about serious charges brought against a Dade County Jail detention officer which led to the officer’s arrest. An inmate had made a complaint about the officer earlier that week, DCSO quickly informed the Georgia Bureau of Investigation about it, and GBI swiftly began an investigation.
The press release reads:
“Earlier this week, a Dade County inmate made a complaint against a Dade County detention officer, which was sexual in nature.
“Sheriff Ray Cross requested that the Region One Georgia Bureau of Investigation Office investigate this matter, due to it involving an employee.
“Following an investigation by the GBI, Sheriff Cross was made aware that probable cause exists to warrant criminal charges against the detention officer.
“Detention Officer Travis Cutts (32 of West Brow, Ga.) was arrested and booked into the Dade County Jail [on May 16] for the following charges:
- Violation of Oath of Office (OCGA 16-10-1) (x1 count)
- Sexual Assault by Persons with Supervisory or Discipline Authority (OCGA 16-6-5.1[b][3]) (x2 Counts)
- Sexual Battery (16-6-22.1) (x2 counts)
“Statement from Sheriff Ray Cross:
‘My deputies and detention officers are held to a very high standard. We take our jobs to protect the people in our community, inside and outside our jail, very seriously! After hearing that the investigation warranted criminal charges, I immediately terminated former Detention Officer Travis Cutts and reported the arrest to the Georgia POST Council (Peace Officer Standards and Training).
‘While former Detention Officer Cutts is presumed innocent until proven guilty, I have zero tolerance for any of my employees who choose to tarnish our badge, and this incident should prove it. Things like this are a “black eye” on our entire profession, and they should NEVER be tolerated or looked over. As long as I’m your sheriff, I will make certain they are handled accordingly, and with as much transparency as allowed by law. This VERY uncommon incident is not a reflection on any other employee at our sheriff’s office. These were the actions of one person and should not overshadow all the good that my detention officers and deputies do every single day to make a positive difference in this community.
‘We appreciate the GBI Calhoun Office for their swift response to assist us with this investigation.’
“This investigation is ongoing, and no further information will be released from the sheriff’s office at this time, to protect the rights of everyone involved, and to protect the judicial process.”
Cutts is a volunteer with the West Brow Fire Department. WBFD Fire Chief Tim Sharp reported to the Sentinel that Cutts is on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the case. He was placed on leave as soon as the department learned of his arrest, as is standard procedure for the department.
