Former Georgia Correctional Employee Faces Serious Charges
Authorities have accused a former correctional employee in Georgia of engaging in sexual activities with an inmate and attempting to sell cigarettes to another prisoner.
Vicki Lynn Franz, age 56, recently concluded her role as a purchasing assistant at the Atlanta Transitional Center on Monday.
Her attorney claims, “My client is a victim in this situation, yet she is being wrongly accused of these allegations.”
Joan Heath, the Director of Communications at the Georgia Department of Corrections, stated that Franz was hired in March 2024.
The U.S. Marshals Service apprehended Franz, and she was subsequently booked at the Fulton County Jail. She faces multiple felony charges, including committing a crime without the consent of an inspector or superintendent and engaging with prisoners.
Franz’s bond was set at $30,000.
According to reports, the investigation began after security personnel observed her inviting an inmate to her office.
Reports indicate that Franz was allegedly about to engage in sexual relations with a prisoner in her office, with a specific incident occurring on June 30th around 1:30 p.m.
An affidavit from the Georgia Department of Corrections states, “Vicki Franz made an attempted criminal act to engage in sexual conduct by allowing inmates into her office and removing her pants.” Fortunately, security staff intervened before any sexual activity transpired. The affidavit detailed that Franz was found lying on a bed mat without pants, while the inmate was hovering over her.
In addition to the sexual misconduct charges, Franz is also accused of selling cigarettes. The affidavit alleges that she accepted a $50 payment via a money transfer app and brought a pack of five cigarettes into the transitional center.
Her public defender argued for her, asserting that she was under duress and facing threats to comply with the demands of complainants.
Heath reinforced the department’s position: “We uphold a strict zero-tolerance policy for individuals who disregard their oaths and put public safety at risk. The actions of such individuals do not reflect the dedication of numerous officers committed to maintaining the safety of our facilities.”
