Habersham County Sheriff’s Office is not currently operating with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) system, but that has not stopped investigators from forming community partnerships to protect children from harm.
Investigator Michael Mendenhall is the point man from the sheriff’s office to investigate potential child abuse, neglect or other harmful cases of that nature. He is part of a multi-disciplinary team that includes the Division of Family and Children Services (DFACS), Faith Powerhouse, Turning Point Counseling, Habersham County Schools, the district attorney’s office and more.
“It is fundamental to have the communication between those departments,” Mendenhall said. “I have done training all over the state, and others don’t have these kinds of relationships with other organizations like we do in Habersham. That plays a big role in my job to protect children. It’s good system we have worked out.”
Mendenhall reads all the referrals from DFACS on potential abuse cases, and it could range from one referral a day to 15 or more. If there is any criminal allegations, he follows through with an investigation, but communication stays constant.
One such case came recently in Cornelia where DFACS reported a 6-year-old and 4-year-old who were not even potty trained, could barely walk and never went outside. An investigation was done and the parents were charged with multiple counts of cruelty to children.
Last year, the sheriff’s office took on internet crimes as well through ICAC, but the only certified agent for that program left the sheriff’s employ. Mendenhall said he believes the program will get a fresh start in Habersham County once some staff positions are filled.
“The technology and groups are out there for us to do that, we just have to get better staffed,” Mendenhall said.