Sgt. Kristopher David Travitz of Douglasville, a 14-year veteran with the agency, was arrested Saturday and charged with sexually assaulting a female inmate, according to a criminal warrant.
The incident occurred between Oct. 21, 2010, and March 7, 2011, in a vehicle while the inmate was being transported from one building to another at the Cobb County Jail, Sheriff Neil Warren said.
Travitz, 37, served as supervisor over the work release program at the time of the alleged incident.
Travitz was immediately fired Saturday, Warren said. He is now being held without bond in the Bartow County jail.
The case follows the Jan. 17 arrest of Sgt. Blake Sutherland, who was charged with aggravated sexual battery and sexual assault of an inmate after she complained to authorities.
Warren launched an investigation, which resulted in Sutherland’s arrest and termination.
Sutherland, whose bond was revoked, is being held in the Douglas County jail.
At the time, Warren told the Marietta Daily Journal he would find out how the assault happened. During the course of the investigation, Warren said investigators heard rumors that led them to question another woman, who had since been released from custody.
“We had to seek her out once we found out about this information,” Warren said. “She told our investigators during the interviews what took place.”
When questioned about the 2010 incident, Travitz allegedly lied to investigators that the inmate never visited him at his house. In fact, a GPS tracker attached to her ankle by Cobb Drug Court revealed that she was at his house for about 45 minutes, according to the warrant.
Warren said potential employees are subjected to rigorous background checks, including a psychological evaluation.
“There was nothing, nothing in their backgrounds to indicate he or Sutherland, either one, had an issue being — I’m going to say acting in a perverted way because to me it is perverted,” Warren said. “I’m embarrassed. I’m embarrassed for the dedicated men and women of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. They work hard, and this looks so bad, and I know it does, and I’m not going to stand for it, and I’m going to continue to find out why it’s happening, and if it’s happening, I can assure you I’m going to bring it to the forefront and do my best to have them prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
In addition to sexual assault by a law enforcement employee, Travitz is charged with violation of oath by a public officer, aggravated sexual battery, false statements or writings, concealment of facts or fraudulent documents in matters of government. All are felonies.
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Reference the recent article in MDJ regarding gun collecting/confiscating by Sheriff Warren for the same sentiment holds true regardless of the loathsome nature of the crime or issue at hand: "The real problem facing society is the erosion of family and moral structure that in turn leads to increased criminal activity — with or without guns. Until we face the real problems plaguing our society and quit seeking the quick and often political fix that shadows the real issues, problems will continue to increase."
An individual that has their mind set on committing an ill-conceived or depraved act will find a way to perpetrate that act. All the rules, laws and punishments will not ultimately dissuade them from their folly.
When we as a society look to place blame, lets begin in our own hearts and homes. Our legal system will address the crimes and punishment of these former employees as indicated by the adjudicated facts.
The big picture is something we all can participate in fixing from the ground up.
Never judge a man until you've walked in his shoes or, in this case, combat boots.
Saw one in her police car in the middle of the street writing on, other cars could not get by. I asked her to pull off to the side of the street so the cars could get by. Her comment was I do not need to I can do what I want. To get by the other cars drove up on the neighbors lawn. Arrogance, the big "I AM".
We see you all the time doing things that show lack of respect for us citizens. You change lanes without signaling, drive over the speed limit, and the like. Ever wonder why you have lost respect?
No organization is perfect, but there ARE good men and women in law enforcement who work very dutifully to protect our communities, make a decent way, and care for their families. But clearly we aren't going to hear about that. Thanks to these clowns, it will be a long time before that trust or faith in their competency will be restored.
Deputies are held to a very high standard by Sheriff Warren and his staff, not to mention the State and Federal authorities!
Stating that officers are sleeping around with each other - do you have any proof? If you do, why didn't you notify the authorities?
Using an alias indicates that you are one of the many people deprived of morals and just fabricate stories just to get your 15 minutes of fame!
I worked for over 14 years at the Sheriffs Office and can confirm that standards are very high for all members of Sheriff Warren's staff. Now that I am retired, live out of Cobb County, should tell you that I have nothing to gain personally by responding to your 'fabricated' input.
Just think, if there were no standards or low standards, how did this story come to light?
Obviously you have had some contact with law enforcement and are just venting and finger pointing! Get a life - preferably an honest one!