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Canton, Cherokee County, Ga. Monday, September 11, 2006. – On August 31, 2006 Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Investigators began an investigation concerning the introduction of contraband into the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center. The investigation revealed that Deputy Jeffrey Ralston conspired with two inmates to introduce drugs and tobacco into the facility via United States Mail. It is not known what contraband was actually introduced into the facility. Investigation shows that Ralston, Underwood, and Collins conspired to have Marijuana, prescription drugs, and tobacco introduced into the detention facility with the assistance of Boatwright. Investigators believe a package was indeed mailed into the facility and given to Collins and Underwood by Ralston – with Ralston knowing the package contained contraband material. Ralston was terminated from employment with Cherokee Sheriff’s Office on September 1, 2006 as a result of the investigation. Ralston and Boatwright were arrested on September 11, 2006 with Underwood and Collins already being in custody on unrelated charges.
Cherokee Sheriff Roger Garrison’s message is clear, "unlawful conduct by Sheriff’s Office employees will not be tolerated and every effort is made by law enforcement to protect the integrity of our profession."
Those arrested:
Jeffrey Ralston W/M 21 years of age of Canton – Charged with: Conspiracy to introduce contraband across a guard line and Violation of Oath of Office. Both are felonies and Ralston’s bond is $16, 800.00.
Sheree Boatwright W/F 28 years of age of Canton – Charged with: Introducing contraband across a guard line (a misdemeanor) – Boatwright’s bond is $680.00
Henry Keith Underwood W/M 26 years of age – Charged with: Conspiracy to introduce contraband across a guard line (felony) – Underwood was in custody on unrelated charges. Bond amount: $5600.00
Kenneth Arthur Collins W/M 31 years of age – Charged with: Conspiracy to introduce contraband across a guard line (felony) – Collins was in custody on unrelated charges. Bond amount: $5600.00
