On Dec. 17, 2021, Tala Ameer Rattray, a jail employee of the Upson County Sheriff’s Office, was arrested.[1] At the time of the announcement he was described as a former jail employee.[1] He was charged with violating his oath of office and with distribution of marijuana and methamphetamine.[1] According to Sheriff Dan Kilgore, jail staff had received information and found Rattray attempting to smuggle tobacco, marijuana and methamphetamine into the facility for inmates.[1]

Sheriff Dan Kilgore said he was disappointed by the conduct.[1] He called it a disgrace to every honorable and hardworking employee and said he expected Rattray to be prosecuted to the maximum extent allowable by law.[1]

After the arrest, Rattray remained in custody with no bond at the Lamar County Jail.[1] The incident remained under investigation.[1]