The report noted that it took almost two years for the worst case that it considered to make it to the grand jury. It also says the "number and severity" of the cases are also cause for "grave concern."
"We strongly encourage the Habersham County Board of Commissioners to take a lead in this area," the grand jury said. "Leadership in this area includes finding some level of funding to support Sheriff Terrell's effort to provide dedicated officers to these types of crimes and to assist in the prosecution of these crimes. In addition, standard operating procedures must be developed and adhered to for handling these cases both on the county level and on the
city-level."
The report cites as an example, "getting paperwork completed and completed correctly and on time and getting it filed." The grand jury concluded that many of these cases get put on the "back burner" because more pressing matters come up and there are limited resources for everyone both in time and manpower.
"This issue needs dedicated personnel to make sure these crimes get prosecuted and get prosecuted in a timely manner," the report said. "Where our money and resources are spent is where our priorities are, this issue, sexual crimes against children needs to be a priority. The District Attorney can provide much needed assistance in this manner, both financially and in experience and is willing to do so. However, the primary burden for this is on us, as citizens of Habersham County and upon the County Board of Commissioners as our local representatives."
In conclusion, the grand jury said "We cannot allow our children to be abused in this manner and then abuse them further by providing an inadequate and apathetic system of justice to pursue those that perpetrate these terrible acts on them."
http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/2/217373