DeKalb County Grand Jury Indicts Former Deputy and Inmate in Separate Jail Crimes

DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced the indictments of two individuals involved in separate criminal activities inside the DeKalb County Jail. The charges include serious allegations against a former deputy and an inmate who were implicated in incidents involving contraband, sexual misconduct, and the death of a fellow inmate.

Former Deputy Joann Marks Charged with Sexual Misconduct and Providing Contraband

Joann Marks, 27, a former deputy at the DeKalb County Jail, was indicted on Tuesday by a DeKalb County Grand Jury on charges including Sexual Contact by an Employee or Agent in the First Degree, two counts of Violation of Oath by a Public Officer, and Items Prohibited for Possession by Inmates. The charges stem from a criminal investigation that began in April 2024 after jail staff discovered contraband, including a cell phone and cigarettes, during a routine search of an inmate’s cell.

During the investigation, Deputy Marks admitted to providing the cell phone and cigarettes to the inmate and also confessed to engaging in sexual intercourse with him. Marks was immediately arrested and terminated from her position with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office turned their findings over to the District Attorney’s Office for review, resulting in the grand jury indictment.

Marks was taken into custody and turned herself in to the DeKalb County Jail. She is scheduled for arraignment on December 23, 2024. The case will be prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Anti-Corruption Unit.

Inmate Tobias Woods Indicted in Fatal Fentanyl Overdose of Christon Collins

In a separate case, former inmate Tobias Woods, 45, was indicted on charges of Felony Murder, two counts of Distribution of Controlled Substances, and Items Prohibited for Possession by Inmates. These charges stem from the death of fellow inmate Christon Collins, 27, who died after overdosing on fentanyl inside the jail on March 15, 2024.

The investigation revealed that Collins was found unresponsive in the common area of his assigned pod on March 13, 2024, after stumbling and falling, hitting his head in the process. Jail surveillance footage captured Woods dragging Collins into his cell and out of the view of jail staff after the fall.

It wasn’t until hours later, around 7:40 p.m., that jail personnel discovered Collins and called for medical assistance. Collins was later transported to the hospital but died two days later from a fentanyl overdose. The DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the cause of death.

Investigators determined that Woods had sold fentanyl to Collins and another inmate, and witnesses testified that Woods had actively worked to prevent Collins from receiving medical attention, likely to avoid detection of the drug. Woods was arrested on Wednesday afternoon by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit.

The case against Woods will be prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Major Crimes Division, and he will face trial in DeKalb County Superior Court.

Ongoing Investigations and Commitment to Accountability

“These cases highlight our ongoing commitment to ensuring that crimes within the jail system are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted, regardless of the individuals involved,” said District Attorney Sherry Boston. “The DeKalb County Jail should be a safe place for all individuals, and any criminal actions, whether committed by officers or inmates, will be held accountable.”

Both cases are under active investigation, and additional charges and arrests are possible. The District Attorney’s Office continues to work closely with law enforcement to uncover the full scope of criminal activities within the jail.