In a troubling case emerging from Georgia, a former corrections employee stands accused of engaging in illicit activities with inmates, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the correctional system.
Vickie Lynn Frantz, 56, who served as a purchasing assistant at the Atlanta Transitional Center, faces allegations of attempting to engage in sexual relations with an inmate and selling contraband cigarettes to another prisoner. These charges have led to her dismissal from the facility, as confirmed by authorities.
According to The Blaze, Frantz's employment at the Atlanta Transitional Center began in March 2024, as stated by Joan Heath, the director of communications for the Georgia Department of Corrections. The U.S. Marshals Service apprehended Frantz, and she was subsequently booked into the Fulton County Jail.
She faces felony charges, including criminal intent to commit a felony and trading with inmates without the necessary consent from the warden or superintendent. Her bond has been set at $30,000.
The investigation into Frantz's conduct was initiated following a report from a security guard who allegedly witnessed an inmate entering her office. The affidavit obtained by Blaze News from the Georgia Department of Corrections details the incident, stating that Frantz was found in a compromising position with an inmate on June 30.
"Accused Vickie Frantz committed criminal attempt to commit custodial sexual assault by allowing an inmate of the Georgia Department of Corrections into her office, then taking off her pants to allow sexual activity," the affidavit revealed. However, a security staff member intervened before any sexual acts could occur, finding Frantz on an inmate bed mat without pants, with an inmate standing over her.
In addition to the sexual misconduct allegations, Frantz is accused of smuggling cigarettes into the facility. The affidavit states, "Vickie Frantz unlawfully accepted a payment of $50 via Chime to bring five packs of cigarettes into Atlanta Transitional Center."
Despite the gravity of the charges, Frantz's public defender, Jae Kim, insists that she is the victim in this scenario. "She was under duress, and she was threatened with her life actually to comply with the demand by the complaining witness," Kim told WSB-TV. "My client is the victim of the whole situation, and yet she is falsely accused of those charges."
Joan Heath emphasized the Georgia Department of Corrections' commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for any breach of conduct that threatens public safety. "As we continue to demonstrate, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy for individuals who choose to ignore their oath and jeopardize our non-negotiable mission of public safety," Heath stated. "Actions of this individual do not reflect the hundreds of officers who are committed each and every day to ensuring the safety of the public and the safe operations of our facilities."
This case underscores the importance of upholding ethical standards within correctional facilities and ensuring that those in positions of authority are held accountable for their actions. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on safeguarding the integrity of the justice system and protecting the public from any potential threats posed by such misconduct.
Login