The Gist:
Five employees of the Dalton Youth Detention Center in Whitfield County are facing criminal charges over the in-custody death of 16-year-old Alexis Sluder of Ellijay. The indictments include various counts of first and second-degree cruelty to children.
What Happened?
The Whitfield County Grand Jury on Monday, August 28, served indictment warrants to:
- Maveis Brooks, sergeant, age 35, of Calhoun – 2 counts of first-degree cruelty to children and 1 count of second-degree cruelty to children
- Russell Ballard, cadet, age 62, of Chatsworth – 2 counts of first-degree cruelty to children and 1 count of second-degree cruelty to children
- Rebecka Phillips, officer, age 45, of Chatsworth – 2 counts of first-degree cruelty to children and 1 count of second-degree cruelty to children
- Monica Hedrick, nurse, age 62, of Ringgold – 1 count of second-degree cruelty to children
- David McKinney, Detention Center Director, age 53, of Rome – 1 count of second-degree cruelty to children
This legal action stems from an incident on Saturday, August 27, around 4 a.m. when Dalton Police asked the GBI to look into the death of Alexis Sluder at the Dalton Youth Detention Center.
By The Numbers:
- 5: Number of indicted employees
- 3: Types of charges – first-degree cruelty, second-degree cruelty, and detention center director involvement
- 1: Minor, Alexis Sluder, dead in custody
Why It Matters:
The indictments shine a spotlight on a harrowing issue plaguing the juvenile justice system and puts the staff involved under serious scrutiny. The death of a minor while in custody raises significant questions about the safety and well-being of young detainees, warranting a closer look at detention center practices in the state.
What’s Next?
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The Whitfield County District Attorney’s office is taking the lead in prosecuting this case, with considerable support from Dalton Police and the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office. As the legal process unfolds, the community will keenly watch whether justice will be served for Alexis Sluder and what changes, if any, may come for juvenile detention centers in Georgia.
⚠️ Reminder: Crime articles contain only charges and information from police reports and law enforcement statements. Suspects and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
