Trenton, GA — A Dade County Detention Officer has been arrested and booked into the Dade County Jail following a criminal investigation into a sexual misconduct complaint made by an inmate earlier this week.
According to the Dade County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Ray Cross requested an external investigation by the Region 1 Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) after receiving the complaint, which was sexual in nature and involved a detention facility employee.
The GBI’s investigation led to the discovery of probable cause to support criminal charges. As a result, 32-year-old Travis Cutts, of West Brow, GA, was taken into custody and faces the following charges:
One count of Violation of Oath of Office (OCGA 16-10-1)
Two counts of Sexual Assault by Persons with Supervisory or Disciplinary Authority (OCGA 16-6-5.1[b][3])
Two counts of Sexual Battery (OCGA 16-6-22.1)
Following the GBI’s findings, Sheriff Cross announced the immediate termination of Cutts’ employment and reported the arrest to the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council.
“My deputies and detention officers are held to a very high standard,” Sheriff Cross said in a written statement. “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.”
Cross emphasized that the allegations reflect solely on the individual and not on the broader department:
“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. This incident is a black eye on our entire profession and should never be tolerated or overlooked.”
“As long as I’m your sheriff, I will make certain such matters 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.”
Sheriff Cross also extended his appreciation to the GBI Calhoun Office for their quick and thorough work in handling the case.
The investigation remains ongoing. The Dade County Sheriff’s Office has stated that no further information will be released at this time in order to protect the rights of those involved and maintain the integrity of the legal process.