Lee County, Georgia Sheriff's Office

Sheriff Reggie Rachals and staff would like to thank Lisa Stuckey, Director of Military and First Responder Support Group & First United Methodist Church of Albany for presenting them with a yummy basket of goodies.

Addtionally, Sheriff Reggie Rachals and Staff would like to thank Friends of First Responders of South Ga. LLC, J & E Restaurant/Wendy McQuiston Layfield and countless others for providing us with the delicious Back the Blue BBQ plates.

Thanks to the community for your continued love and support. God Bless each of you and your families.

Every June, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) celebrate Internet Safety Month. This year, with stay-at-home orders keeping more children at home and online, it is critically important now more than ever that we make sure children are staying safe while using the internet.

Unfortunately, NCMEC CyberTip line has received increased reports of online child s*xual abuse materials during the pandemic. NCMEC analysts have even seen conversations happening on the dark web between predators specifically discussing how to abuse and entice children to produce s*xually explicit content during the stay-at-home orders.

That’s why this summer we encourage you to make internet safety a priority for your family. To help, here are some tip sheets that will help you support your child's safety online as they use their phones, video game consoles, and other connected devices.

Thank you to First Baptist Church of Albany Adult 15 Sunday School class for your donation to help keep our Deputies fueled. We appreciate it!

On Friday May 1st, 2020 The Mission Change provided the The Lee County Sheriff's Office Austin's Firehouse Grill BBQ for lunch and we want them to know how much we appreciate everything they do for our community.

Thank you.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office would like to thank Chick-fil-A for providing breakfast this morning.

Thank you Chick-fil-A for all that you do for the community.

A special thanks to Goodlife V***r, El Maya Mexican Restaurant, and
Pretoria Fields for donating hand sanitizer and N95 masks to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It is greatly appreciated and with businesses and business leaders like this, it will get this community through this crisis!

PLEASE HELP LEE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE LOCATE MISSING PERSON

JESSICA DIANE DIETZEL
AKA
JESSICA DIANE VANZANT

21 YEARS OLD

BLOND/BROWN HAIR
HAZEL EYES
HEIGHT:507
150 LBS

LAST SEEN IN ALBANY AREA

“ELENA” TATTOOED ON CHEST

TATTOO N HAND
TATTOO ON LEFT THIGH

MAY REPORT LOCATION TO LEE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE 229-759-6012

********UPDATE MISSING PERSON FOUND SAFE********

Ronald Lawrence has been found safe. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank you for your assistance in locating Ronald Lawrence.

*****UPDATE! DONALD KETCHUM HAS BEEN ARRESTED!******

Thank you for your assistance!

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the assistance of the community in locating a wanted person, Donald Wayne Ketchum. Donald Wayne Ketchum is wanted for an active arrest warrant out of Lee County, GA for Failure to Register as a S*x Offender and Probation Violation. Donald Wayne Ketchum is a 53 year old white male, 5’04”, with brown hair and brown eyes. Donald Wayne Ketchum was last seen around the 500 block of 9th Ave in Albany GA. Any contact with this individual or information, please call the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 229-759-6012.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is seeking your help in locating Benjamin Zachary Bussell. Benjamin Zachary Bussell is wanted for one count of Theft by Taking (Felony) in connection with the theft of a 2008 John Deere Gator 620I. If you know of the whereabouts of Benjamin Zachary Bussell then please contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 229-759-6012.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Investigators are asking for the public’s help in identifying this subject. He is a white male that was recorded on a residential surveillance video and is wanted in questioning in regards to a theft at that residence. If you can help in identifying this subject, please contact Investigator Allen with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 229-759-6012.

LEE COUNTY, GA

https://www.walb.com/video/2019/12/04/lee-co-deputy-impersonator/?fbclid=IwAR1fApTJchp4dG9ysC6ykmeFlv3eTm4gQ28eZQfrROQk8iqdiMYor5jil2g

Lee Co. Deputy Impersonator Video from WALB

http://leecoga.s*xoffenderindex.com/

S*x Offender Information Please read the following disclaimer before proceeding to the Lee County Sheriff's Office S*x Offender registry. To view the current list of registered offenders, you may check the link at the bottom of this page.

On the early morning hours of 10/08/2019 an unknown black male stalked a female customer at Walmart and then committed the crime of S*xual Battery against the unsuspecting customer. Please help Lee County Sheriff’s Office Identify this suspect.

Please call 759-6012 if you have any information.

It's now easier to send Lee County, Georgia Sheriff's Office a message.

There is NOT an active shooter situation at Wal-Mart in Lee County. NO current situations at any business in Lee County.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the assistance of the community in locating a wanted person, Clint John Tabb. Clint John Tabb is wanted for an active arrest warrant out of Lee County, GA and for questioning in several thefts in our area. Clint John Tabb is a 5’10” white male with brown hair and blue eyes. He frequents the Philema Road area. Any contact with this individual, please call the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 229-759-6012.

Janie Michelle Bradfield (aka Shelby Bradfield) has active arrest warrants for contempt of court out in Lee County, GA and a probation violation in Cobb County, GA. Subject is believed to be absconding apprehension. Any contact with Bradfield, please call your local law enforcement authorities.

Reminder for this summer;
Studies have shown that once your child is victimized it is too late to stop the crime. The crime has already been committed. Nothing can change what happened, but you need to notify law enforcement, so justice can be served. The crime does not only affect parents it also affects that child in many different ways. One example of how these crimes affect your child is the fact that they can never get back their innocence, they can never un-see what has been seen, and after a picture or post is out there it can never be completely controlled or removed from the internet. A juvenile mistake is a mistake that is permanently on the World Wide Web. It can be used against your child for the rest of their life by someone who's out for revenge, someone who wants to bully them, or someone who may just be jealous of them. Not to mention the countless pedophiles. Pedophiles look for innocence and will use a juvenile mistake for their benefit. As a parent and a special crimes investigator I am asking that you all take a step to protect the innocence of your children. They are a Target on social media; there is no doubt about it.

TOP 10 REASONS WHY YOUR KIDS SHOULD
NOT HAVE SOCIAL MEDIA

1. Too much stress for a child/juvenile
Kids already have a lot of stress which we can all remember in our teen years; worrying about if they have enough friends, is that person mad at them, why they do or don’t have a boyfriend/girlfriend, why that person does not like them, homework, school day………But these social medias add so much more stress; did I get enough likes, did I get enough comments, do I have enough followers, and why didn’t I get enough likes, why didn’t I get enough comments, why don’t I have enough followers, why didn’t he/she like my post……… multiply that stress times how many social media accounts they have. (Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Whatsapp, QQ, Wechat, Qzone, Tumbler, Twitter, Kik, Musically, LIKE, Viber, Vine, Line, Reddit, Tagged, Badoo, Youtube, Meetme, Meetup, Yellow, …….and that is just a few)

2. Incapable to cope/ to see past what is going on right now
Kids are learning to cope but still not able to see past what is going wrong right now. Literally that part of the brain is still developing.
3. Nothing is preventing contact from strangers
You are giving the entire world of strangers unlimited access to your beautiful priceless children. Nothing is preventing anyone from making contact with your kids. Just because a profile says they are a child does not make that a fact. Just because it is private it doesn’t block out the world.

4. They do not understand the definition of KNOWING SOMEONE.
a. ask your child if they know everyone they are friends with on their social medias
b. Then print out their friends list and ask them (as you name each person) who they are and how they know them. Have they ever physically met each person?
c. You will be amazed in how many strangers they are really in contact with. Just because a profile says she is “Lucy” who lives in Alabama and 12 years old does not make that a fact unless you physically have ever met that person.

5. The answer will eventually be yes.
Regardless of how mature and responsible any child or juvenile is if anyone asks them something enough times the answer will be yes. If anyone flatters them enough the answer will be yes. If anyone tells them everything a child/juvenile wants to hear the answer will be yes.

6. Educating them on everything
Ever wonder why kids are so different than we were? Or how are kids growing up so fast? Why do they think having a boyfriend/girlfriend is so important so young nowadays? Social media is teaching them that intimate relationships are what they want and need. Social media ads are in our kids faces and latch onto their minds. Children believe that if they are not in a relationship they are not doing something right. You know how commercials convince you to buy something? Social media is convincing our children.
Not to mention the Stranger part again but…. Strangers talking to your child and who say they are the same age. These strangers are teaching s*x education and what is socially correct, usually before parents have realized it is time to have “that talk”. Sorry your child already knows now before you have taught them right from wrong.

7. Social Media Anxiety Disorder (SMAD)
It is a real thing. Social Media is an addiction just as any other. Once addicted it is extremely unhealthy. # (fear of missing out) disconnectedness so whether you perceive yourself to be a successful user of social media is likely to have an impact on feelings of loneliness, anxiety, paranoia, and mental health generally.
Any addiction causes negative effects on all aspects and relationships of life, school work, behavioral health, physical health, social health etc.
Ever wonder why the su***de rate of our young is constantly rising even though there are countless programs to prevent su***de? Our modern day anxiety epidemic is not just occurring during the same time that social media apps are on the rise but in actuality it is the consequence.
a. Try it yourself, sacrifice social media or even just cut out one of your social apps to test the theory. Once you get past the anxious period of not checking and posting then you will see an improvement in every aspect ….. your parenthood, work, partner relationship, your mental health, your happiness, lack of loneliness, and even in your physical health.

8. Parents don’t have time for that
Seriously we/parents don’t have time to keep our children safe on social media. Parents are working, cleaning, cooking, taking care of kids, helping with homework, fundraising, sports, band, drama, pleasing partners …..We parents are so busy there is not enough time to monitor everything your children are doing on social media to keep them safe from all these criminals that have unlimited access to them.

9. They don’t NEED it
Social media is not a necessity for children/juveniles. No one is going to report you to DFCS for your child not having a social media profile. They need food, water, shelter, love, understanding, education, emotional comfort, coping skills, not social media accounts!

10 You are an awesome parent!!!
Instead of monitoring your kids social media just don’t let them have it and take that time you were going to monitor the accounts and teach them all about strangers, s*x, morals, good touch bad touch, and life skills. Be a role model for your children and teens. Spend quality time with them not your social media. Talk to them and encourage them to speak to you about any and all things. Teach them to share and care but the boundaries of what to share and what is private.

My list of why juveniles should not have social media can continue but I have listed the top 10 reasons that weigh heavily on my heart about this subject. We are all learning. We are all trying to protect our children. No one is the perfect parent. I am certainly not the perfect parent. I have been investigating Internet Crimes Against Children since 2010. Over the past 9 years I have seen more harm come from children on social media than good. I love all children and I love my job! Working to keep children safe is my ultimate goal, but HORRIBLE things happen to even our Lee County children because we are not only trying to keep them safe from the criminals who are physically in our county but the world of criminals on the internet. The opportunity for criminals to victimize children on the internet is limitless, but it is something you can stop! Make the choice to protect your children from internet crimes, by not allowing them to have social media accounts.

Inv. Daphne Lindsey
Lee County Sheriff's Office
Special Victim Unit
Internet Crimes Against Children
119 Pinewood Rd
Leesburg, GA 31763
(229)759-6051
(229)759-3331 fax

On Saturday April 27, 2019 at approximately 11:20 A.M., an unidentified female entered into the CVS Store in Lee County, GA and provided CVS pharmacy staff with a fraudulent prescription. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is asking the Community's help in identifying the person from the surveillance video. If anyone knows the identity of this person, please contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It is believed that the suspect was transported to the store by someone else in a silver sedan.

*** ENTERING AUTOS***
At least 10 in the Glendale Subdivision and Creekside Drive area.
At least 6 in the Raintree Condominiums.
*** NOT ONE WINDOW BUSTED***
Please lock your doors and remove your valuables!!!
One vehicle and one firearm stolen.

We at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office take pride in serving our community. Protecting our citizens is a priority. We encourage our residents to report suspicious activity by calling our non- emergency number 229-759-6012. Please call 911 for emergencies. We would also like for all of Lee County residents and surrounding areas to understand that we do not intend to use Social Media to report crimes or updates concerning ongoing investigations unless otherwise specified by the victims of such crimes. We respect the privacy of our citizens and will always work to maintain a level of integrity when utilizing social and mass media. In addition, we at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office would like to stress that it is important to always report criminal activity by calling local law enforcement and not posting to social media.

A few pictures from the March 9th, 2019 women's firearm class. If you would like to participate in an upcoming class, please call 229-759-6051 and ask for Dawn Ralston. This class is free and is put on courtesy of Sheriff Reggie D. Rachals and the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

http://www.walb.com/2018/12/18/man-pleads-guilty-five-s*x-offenses/

Man pleads guilty to five s*x offenses A 29-year-old man plead guilty to five s*x offenses in Lee County Superior Court, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

Chloe Summerlin has been located and is safe!

Lee County, Georgia Sheriff's Office Send a message to learn more.

Lee County Project Lifesaver is excited to announce.
Friday October 26, donation checks were handed out to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Albany Police Department and Dougherty County Police Department by the coordinators of the Annual Back the Blue 5k Run/ Walk which was held in August the proceeds were divided between agencies as needed. Lee and Albany will use the funding to continue to add clients to their respective PLS programs. The Dougherty County Police Department will use their funding to establish a new PLS program in the county. Currently, Lee has eleven clients and Albany has eight clients with cognitive conditions and are considered high risk wanderers. Donations like the ones made today help agencies assist families with the cost for having a family member on the PLS program.
For more information on how you can sign up your loved one, call Lee County or APD.