DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston has announced the indictments of two individuals linked to alleged criminal activities inside the DeKalb County Jail. The accused include a former Sheriff's Deputy and an inmate awaiting trial.
Joann Marks, a former deputy aged 27, was indicted by a DeKalb County Grand Jury on charges including Sexual Contact by an Employee or Agent in the First Degree, two counts of Violation of Oath by a Public Officer, and Items Prohibited for Possession by Inmates. In April 2024, contraband items were discovered in an inmate's cell during a search. Deputy Marks admitted to providing these items and engaging in sexual intercourse with the inmate. She was arrested and dismissed from her position on the same day. The case against Marks will be prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Anti-Corruption Unit, with her arraignment set for December 23 under Judge Courtney L. Johnson.
In another case, Tobias Woods, aged 45 and a former inmate, faces charges of Felony Murder, two counts of Distribution of Controlled Substances, and Items Prohibited for Possession by Inmates. These charges are related to the death of fellow inmate Christon Collins due to a Fentanyl overdose on March 13, 2024. Surveillance footage captured Collins stumbling before collapsing; he later died after being moved to his cell without receiving timely medical assistance. Investigations revealed that Woods sold drugs to Collins and hindered him from obtaining help.
A warrant was issued for Woods' arrest following his indictment, and he was taken into custody by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit. His case will proceed under the Major Crimes Division of the District Attorney's office.
“Our investigation into the death of Christon Collins and how those deadly drugs got into the jail is still open and active,” stated District Attorney Boston. “Crimes that happen inside the jail will not be ignored just because the people impacted are behind bars.”