A second supervisor named in the Hall County Jail misconduct investigation came forward this week to discuss how the investigation came along.
Sgt. Andrew Ondo told The Times Friday, Nov. 29 that he learned Nov. 13 of a number of employees being involved in alleged sexual misconduct.
He then notified Lt. Ken Nix.
“Both the lieutenant and I … as supervisors in that kind of profession, you’re held responsible for the people under you,” Ondo said.
Ondo said he felt it was in the best interest of the sheriff’s office and himself to resign.
“The outcome of this situation has made for some very difficult, yet important lessons in life and leadership. I can only hope that others will see these and learn from my mistakes. I can assure you that for me, these lessons will not soon be forgotten,” Ondo said in a statement.
The investigation led to the resignation of six employees and suspensions for two others.
‘To clarify, I had no involvement in any sexual misconduct and was likewise forthcoming with any and all information requested of me during the course of the investigation; this included any questions regarding my own faults,” Ondo said.
Nix previously told The Times he had been due to retire Dec. 20 and decided to retire about a month early Nov. 25. He said he became aware of the misconduct on Nov. 13 and reported the activities, leading the Sheriff’s Office to open an internal investigation.
Nix said he was not involved with the sexual misconduct between employees, but he saw that his leadership was being questioned. He said he was not aware of any intent to fire him.
“It occurred on my watch. I can accept that,” he said.
He said lieutenants are aware that they can be held responsible for employees’ actions.
Nix said the misconduct involved sexual activity between employees while they were on duty, and that it appears to have been consensual.
No inmates were involved in the investigation, which involved employees working the same night shift at the jail, according to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation found several violations of policy and procedure related to unbecoming conduct, unsatisfactory performance of duty, sexual misconduct between the employees, and a failure to supervise, the Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday.
The Times has filed an open records request to learn more about the investigation. The Sheriff’s Office has declined to clarify which employees are accused of which infraction.
The employees involved include:
Deputy Randall Norton, Resigned during pre-termination hearing
Jailer Dani Colella, Resigned during pre-termination hearing
Jailer Christopher Smith, Resigned during pre-termination hearing
Deputy Daniel Harris, Suspended five days
Jailer Kingston Morris, Suspended two days
Jailer Alexis Mitchell, Resigned while under investigation
Sgt. Andrew Ondo, Resigned while under investigation
Lt. Ken Nix, Retired/Resigned
Reporter Megan Reed contributed to this report.
