DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston has announced the conviction of Jarvis Oneal Cloption, an Ellenwood resident, following his guilty plea to charges related to a violent assault on his stepfather and another individual. The plea was entered on November 1, 2024.
Cloption, aged 53, admitted guilt to two counts of Abuse of an Elder Person and three counts of Aggravated Assault. His actions involved attacking his 72-year-old stepfather and the stepfather's 52-year-old friend. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Yolanda Parker-Smith accepted the plea agreement which stipulates that Cloption will serve a 20-year prison sentence.
The incident occurred at Cloption's stepfather’s residence on Boulder Run Trail in Ellenwood shortly after Cloption was released from prison. At approximately 1 a.m. on September 4, 2020, while his stepfather was asleep, Cloption attacked him with a knife demanding money.
During the attack, Cloption’s stepfather pleaded for his life saying, “Don’t kill me,” but was stabbed multiple times in the face, neck, and underarm by Cloption who subsequently stole his wallet.
A friend of the victim who was also present at the house attempted to help but was also assaulted by Cloption who stabbed him in the face, arm, and back of the head.
Emergency responders transported both victims to hospitals for treatment; Cloption’s stepfather was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital while his friend received care at Atlanta Medical Center.
The case fell under the Crimes Against Elder Persons and Adults with Disabilities Unit and was prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Franklin Engram along with Senior Assistant District Attorney Laura Alford. The investigative team included District Attorney Investigator Charles Maupin and Victim Advocate Tina Williamson. Former DeKalb County Police Department Detective J. Hayes led the initial investigation.