02/11/2024
LATEST SCAM ALERT!
We have been made aware of a scam involving the families of individuals who are experiencing incarceration in the Polk County Jail. On February 5th 2024 the family of an inmate contacted our Offender Services Coordinator, Lydia Goodson, inquiring about a suspicious phone call they received on Saturday, February 3rd 2024. The call that was made to them was from a man identifying himself as Eric Thomas from Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia. He then asked the family to send $2,061 for their loved one to go to that program for a period of 12-36 months. He stated that once the money was sent that the inmate would be transferred within 2 hours and that $900.00 of that money was for the Deputies to transport him. He went on to say that at the completion of the program all the charges in the case against their loved one would be dismissed.
Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia is a real and reputable Faith Based, THOR approved inpatient treatment facility for Substance Abuse. Rescue Mission is free to those who do not have the money for a program and will never solicit any funds for the entry into their program. They also have no one by that name working there. The Offender Services Coordinator was able to contact this alleged Mr. Thomas who interestingly enough identified himself as Lieutenant Eric Thomas with the Polk County Sheriff’s Department. He quickly hung up when she identified herself as the Offender Services coordinator with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and has since disconnected the number.
If you or a family member is ever contacted in this manner, please give our Offender Services Coordinator, Lydia Goodson, a call to clarify. Lydia works directly with those experiencing incarceration, the treatment facilities and the courts to make smooth transitions for those seeking recovery by gong to a program. She will be happy to answer any questions.
Remember, no one from the Sheriff’s Office will ever contact you soliciting funds. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If “Mr. Lieutenant Eric Thomas” is reading this, it was very rude to hang up on Lydia and then change your number, you did not even give a proper goodbye. Feel free to call back and speak with us.
Lydia Goodson CPS-AD, FPM
Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Offender Services Coordinator
770-749-2900 x 2914