An Atlanta Transitional Center employee was arrested and fired last month after allegedly being discovered half-undressed in her office with a male inmate.
Atlanta Transitional Center worker behind bars
Despite the disturbing allegations, the Georgia woman now insists she was coerced and feared for her life.
Authorities booked 56-year-old Vickie Lynn Frantz into Fulton County Jail on Monday.
She faces charges of criminal attempt to commit a felony and unauthorized dealings with inmates without the warden’s permission.
Frantz had been working at the Atlanta Transitional Center as a purchasing assistant on June 30, when a security officer claims to have seen her escorting an inmate into her office.
The staff member alleged that sexual activity was imminent.
“Accused Vickie Frantz committed criminal attempt to commit custodial sexual assault by allowing an inmate of the Georgia Department of Corrections into her office, then taking off her pants to allow sexual activity,” an affidavit obtained by WSB-TV stated.
“But a security staff member intervened before any sexual acts occurred. Vickie Frantz was caught in her office lying on an inmate bed mat with no pants on and an inmate standing over her.”
Authorities also allege that Frantz brought contraband into the correctional facility.
She allegedly received $50 from a different inmate in exchange for five packs of cigarettes.
Frantz chose to waive her initial court appearance on Tuesday. A judge set her bond at $30,000.
Atlanta Transitional Center employee’s lawyer says she’s the victim
Her legal counsel claims Frantz was not a willing participant in the situation.
“She was under duress, and she was threatened with her life actually to comply with the demand by the complaining witness,” assistant public defender Jae Kim said in court.
“My client is the victim of the whole situation and yet she is falsely accused of those charges.”
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A spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Corrections confirmed Frantz’s employment history with the facility.
“As we continue to demonstrate, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy for individuals who choose to ignore their oath and jeopardize our non-negotiable mission of public safety,” said Joan Heath, the department’s communications director.
“Actions of this individual does not reflect the hundreds of Officers who are committed each and every day to ensuring the safety of the public and the safe operations of our facilities.”
Illinois correctional officer found guilty
In another case involving alleged abuse of power behind bars, a former corrections officer in Illinois has been found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a female inmate.
Ricardo Hardy, 45, a former deputy at the DuPage County Jail, was convicted last week of five counts of custodial sexual misconduct and five counts of official misconduct—both classified as Class 3 felonies.
Prosecutors argued that between March 13 and April 26, 2023, Hardy had sex with the inmate in multiple locations, including inside her cell and in a bathroom area.
In addition to the illicit contact, Hardy allegedly deposited $300 into the inmate’s commissary account.
An investigation by the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office began in May 2023 following a tip about Hardy’s conduct.
He was terminated from his post on May 15, 2023, and appeared in court the next day. His bond was set at $300,000, and Hardy was able to post the money.
Formal charges were filed on May 15, 2025, and Hardy was arrested at his residence.
“As a deputy sheriff assigned to corrections, Mr. Hardy clearly held a position of authority over his victim,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said.
“He then used his position as a corrections officer to engage in sexual activities with an inmate. His actions are nothing short of a complete abuse of authority and a betrayal of the trust placed in him not only by the Sheriff’s Office but also the residents of DuPage County.”
Hardy is expected back in court on August 14 for sentencing-related proceedings.
Meanwhile, in Florida, another corrections officer is facing prison time for a separate violation.
Guard sentenced for sexual relationship with inmate
Kerontrez Lamar Kenon, 23, a former officer at Tallahassee’s Federal Correctional Institution, was sentenced to one year behind bars after admitting to a sexual relationship with an inmate during the summer of 2023.
Kenon served as a guard at the facility between June and July 2023. During that period, he began a sexual relationship with a female inmate, to whom he also provided cigarettes and food.
According to authorities, Kenon went further by helping the woman set up a CashApp account so she could receive money from other inmates in exchange for contraband cigarettes.
By the time the inmate reported the conduct, Kenon was no longer employed at the prison.
In a statement following the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Jack Heekin addressed the case.
“A correctional officer’s abuse of his position is intolerable,” he remarked. “My office will work with our federal partners to vigorously investigate and prosecute any officer who violates their oath through the abuse of inmates entrusted to their care and custody.”
