When a relationship ends and a child lives primarily with one parent, the other is often legally required to provide financial support. But authorities say one Georgia man escalated his grievance over child support into a terrifying ordeal for state workers. Now, the prison guard who spent his career locking people away faces charges for allegedly doing the same to innocent welfare employees.
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It was the morning of Dec. 18 when Quantraves Hall arrived at the Georgia Department of Family and Child Services’ (DFCS) office in Warner Robins, about 100 miles south of Atlanta, according to local police. He wasn’t there for a routine appointment; according to authorities, he was allegedly fueled by a growing fury over his child support payments.
The Houston County Sheriff’s Office alleged the 25-year-old burst through the doors of the Cohen Walker Drive office, locked the front door and prevented four employees from leaving. For a few tense minutes, Hall allegedly berated the workers and at one point, he allegedly tried to force his way into the restricted, employees-only section of the building, Law & Order reported.
Eventually, the suspect was removed from the building by security. But by the time police arrived, however, the defendant had already fled the scene.
“While speaking with staff it was clear they were all visibly upset,” the incident report said, according to local news station WMAZ 13. The responding officer claimed one of the employees hyperventilated during questioning.
The suspect later surrendered himself at the police station and agreed to speak with investigators, police said.
Hall, a Georgia prison guard, allegedly confessed to locking the door, but said in his defense he eventually unlocked it, according to a police report. He also allegedly admitted to cursing at the government employees and trying to access the restricted area, police said according to the outlet.
He was charged with four counts each of false imprisonment and terroristic threats and acts, according to the Houston County Sheriff’s Office. After being detained in the Houston County Jail, Hall posted bond.
Hall was also fired from his job at the Central State Prison in Macon the very next day. “We remain steadfast in our zero-tolerance policy toward anyone who violates their oath and undermines our essential mission of public safety,” the prison agency said to WMAZ 13. “The conduct of this individual in no way represents the professionalism and daily commitment of the hundreds of Officers who uphold the safety of the public and our facilities.”
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