Politics & Government

Ex-Cobb Sheriff's Deputy Indicted on Rape, 20 Other Charges

He is accused of having sexual encounters with four female inmates at the Cobb County jail and other places for more than three years.

A Cobb County grand jury has indicted a former sheriff's deputy from Douglasville on charges of rape, sexual assault against persons in custody, violation of oath by public officer and other charges.

In a warrant, Cobb authorities alleged that 51-year-old Alvin Blake Sutherland made physical contact with an unamed female inmate at the Cobb jail on Jan. 11.

He was fired from his job and arrested Jan. 18.

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But Kim Isaza, the spokeswoman for Cobb District Attorney Vic Reynolds, said this afternoon that the indictment alleges that Sutherland had sexual encounters with not just one, but four female inmates. The incidents allegedly occurred at the Cobb County jail and other places between June 2009 and Jan. 11, 2013.

Sutherland is charged with 21 counts, including seven counts of aggravated sodomy; four counts of sexual assault against person in custody; four counts of violation of oath by public officer; three counts of making false statements; two counts of aggravated sexual battery; and one count of rape.

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If convicted of all charges, Sutherland could face a maximum penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Sutherland has been in custody in the Douglas County jail since his arrest. He is being held without bond.

Decatur attorney C. Christopher Flinn represents Sutherland in the case, which is assigned to Cobb Superior Court Judge Mary Staley.

Sutherland is one of two former Cobb sheriff's deputies from Douglasville accused of sexually assaulting a female inmate.

Sgt. Kristopher Travitz's 14-year-old career with the Cobb County Sheriff's Office came to an end on Feb. 2, the , Col. Milton Beck said in a news release at the time.


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