Commissioner: Homer Bryson

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

Ruthie Shelton Reassigned

FORSYTH, Ga. – Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Homer Bryson announced the reassignment of Ruthie Shelton to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Augusta State Medical Prison, effective March 16, 2016. As Deputy Warden, Shelton will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of medical, mental health, education and counseling services of more than 1,900 close security male inmates at the facility located in Grovetown, GA.

“Ruthie has worked her way up the ranks with the department,” said Commissioner Homer Bryson. “I look forward to the knowledge and leadership skills she will bring with her to Augusta State Medical Prison.”

Shelton began her career with the Department in 1999 as a Probation Officer in the Chattahoochee Circuit, following five years of service as a Police Officer with the St. Louis City Metropolitan Police Department. Shelton served in various roles to include the supervision and caseload management of standard, high, and specialized sex offenders.  In 2007, she was promoted to Probation Officer III and was later appointed as the CIP Administrator for the Columbus Probation Office.  She was promoted, in 2010, to Chief Probation Officer of the Coweta Judicial Circuit.  In 2012, she was promoted to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment at Rutledge State Prison, where she currently serves.

Shelton has a Paralegal Studies certificate and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Webster University and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Troy University. During her career with the Department, she has completed the following training courses: Basic Probation Officer Training (BPOT), Basic Management Training (BMT), Advanced Management Training (AMT), Corrections Leadership Institute (CLI), Warden and Chief Pre-Command College, State of Georgia Intervention Team Training, and Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment Academy.

The GDC has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees.

For more information on the GDC call 478-992-5248 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.