Decades of Abuse at Henry County Community Corrections Exposed
Numerous former detainees at Henry County Community Corrections have come forward to accuse a former deputy director, Jason Bertram, and former Henry County Sheriff Kim Cronk, of sexually abusing or raping them for decades.
These actions were allegedly covered up by various county officials, fueling a complex and disturbing narrative of systemic abuse in a county-run correctional facility.
Serious Allegations Are Finally Addressed
The alarming allegations first came to light in May 2023, following the tragic suicide of Jason Bertram. At the time, Bertram had been under investigation for multiple criminal charges, including sexual misconduct, and was wanted by authorities on allegations stemming from his abuse of Samuel Shipley, a man who had been sentenced to house arrest for a probation violation.
Shipley recounted a chilling experience in which Bertram, who was responsible for overseeing inmates on probation, used his position of power to sexually exploit him. During a routine drug test, Bertram allegedly made inappropriate and sexually suggestive comments to Shipley before coercing him into complying with a lewd and degrading request.
Shipley’s story mirrors those of at least five other men, all of whom have now filed lawsuits against Bertram and Henry County officials. Each individual claims Bertram abused them while overseeing their probation, often threatening them with jail time unless they complied with his demands. One survivor even reported that Bertram had exploited his knowledge of the survivor’s family situation, manipulating him into silence by promising to help him avoid prison so he could care for his cancer-stricken mother.
A Long History of Abuse and Cover-Up
An attorney representing the survivors claims that Bertram’s abuse was not an isolated incident. In fact, he argues that it was a part of a decades-long pattern of sexual exploitation that was known to many within the Henry County law enforcement and correctional system. According to the lawsuit, numerous officers and county officials were aware of the abuse, yet no one intervened or took action to stop it.
The 2025 lawsuit also includes allegations against former Sheriff Kim Cronk, who is accused of sexually assaulting Michael Ritchie, an inmate in a work release program.
The new lawsuit claims that Cronk, who allowed Ritchie to manage vending machines at the work release facility, used his position to fondle Ritchie on multiple occasions.
A Community in Crisis
The allegations of abuse go beyond the actions of Bertram and Cronk. Other lawsuits have named several officials, including Joni Williams, the Executive Director of Henry County Community Corrections, as well as former Sheriff Rick McCorckle and current Sheriff John Sproles.
Many of the victims were financially vulnerable, often those with a drug or alcohol addiction, or poor individuals who had little means of defending themselves against the authority figures abusing them. These individuals were easy targets for those in positions of power, and their voices were silenced by fear and manipulation.
The Consequences of Silence
In addition to seeking justice, lawyers have called for the resignation of those officials who were complicit in the abuse, demanding that they step aside and allow for a new chapter of accountability in Henry County. Financial compensation for the victims is also one of the lawsuit’s ideal outcomes.
The actions of Bertram and Cronk, along with the complicity of others within the system, have left a profound scar on the victims and the broader community. With many of the accused now deceased, Bertram having taken his own life in 2024 and Cronk in 2020—the survivors are left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives, while simultaneously battling for the justice they were long denied.
How Helping Survivors Can Help Offer Support
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse or exploitation while incarcerated, in a probation program, or in any other vulnerable situation, it is crucial to understand your rights and available resources. Helping Survivors can assist with legal support, resources for emotional healing, and help navigating the steps toward justice. Reach out today to see how we can help you secure justice.
