NAACP Macon branch seeking surveillance footage, dismissal of charges against woman after DFCS incident with deputy

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Jordan says she was at the Bibb County Division of Children and Family Services office on March 19, seeking proof of employment. While waiting in line, Jordan says a deputy walked to the area. About five minutes later, Jordan says he looked back and asked her to move.

“He was like, well, I don’t like anyone standing behind me,” Jordan said. “I said I understand, I’m the same way.”

Jordan says she moved closer to the front desk, where an employee told her it was okay to stand. But moments later, Jordan says the deputy approached her again.

“He said well, could you move right here and go and stand in the lobby,” Jordan said.  “I took a deep breath, and I said okay, yes sir. I moved and went to the lobby.” 

Jordan says she was on the phone in the lobby when the deputy approached her a third time. A verbal dispute between the two was followed by a physical encounter. Jordan says she informed the deputy that she was physically limited due to a recent car accident, which left a rod in her arm and claimed the life of her husband. Jordan says this effort was to no avail.

“He threw me to the ground and put his knees into me,” Jordan said. “I said I have a rod in my arm sir. I have a rod in my arm. He wasn’t stuntin’ it. He didn’t care about me having a rod or anything.”

Now Jordan is facing Willful Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers and Disorderly Conduct misdemeanor charges. The NAACP Macon branch wants those charges dropped and access to DFCS surveillance footage.

“I don’t think that it would’ve taken for her to be thrown to the ground, especially when she’s telling him that she has a medical condition, said Gwenette Westbrooks, President of the NAACP Macon branch. “He ignored it, and he could’ve caused more harm than what she already is experiencing.” 

Westbrooks says the involved deputy’s body camera was turned off during the incident. She says she was informed that the sheriff’s office must first get a subpoena before obtaining and sharing the DFCS surveillance footage.

“Without the surveillance, it’s the officer’s word against her word and it shouldn’t be like that,” Westbrooks said.

Jordan says incidents like this happen far too often between Bibb County Sheriff’s Office deputies and county residents. She says she spoke out alongside the NAACP not only to have her charges dismissed, but on behalf of those who are afraid to.

“I’m scared,” Jordan said. “Like right here I’m shaking, nervous. But with God’s will and the people standing behind me it made me strong enough to do this.”