
Although there have been no threats made against DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis or his family, the security detail at Ellis’ home provided by DeKalb police will continue indefinitely.
William Miller, the DeKalb County director of public safety, said he sensed danger when he put a 24-hour watch on Ellis’ home without the CEO’s knowledge about two weeks ago.
Part of the reason for the security detail was what Miller describes as a “bizarre pattern of behavior” from former police chief Terrell Bolton.
“We will have security in place until we feel the CEO is no longer in danger,” Miller said. “(Bolton) was trying to seek a warrant against the CEO. And there are other events going on locally, statewide and nationally. These things are happening on a daily basis and it is my job to sense these things.”
Miller would not be specific when asked which events he was referring to.
“I know when I need to step in,” Miller said.
Bolton filed a police report May 10 with the Decatur Police Department alleging he was held against his will by county officials in February of 2009.
According to reports, Bolton claims he was held against his will for several hours by Ellis, Sheriff Thomas Brown and Chief Operating Officer Keith Barker.
“We will continue with the detail until I feel like the CEO is no longer in danger,” Miller said.
Initially, Miller said, there was a 24-hour watch at his home. Now, there is one officer assigned to the home for one shift, and there are patrols in the neighborhood the remainder of the day.
Miller said he is using on-duty officers assigned to that area and that no overtime is being used. During times that an officer has been assigned to the CEO’s home, Miller said the area usually covered by that officer was handled by another on-duty officer.
“There has never been a lack of police presence anywhere due to the security around the CEO’s home,” Miller said.