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Mental Health Facility Employee Charged After Alleged Sexual Assault of Juvenile Patient in Smyrna

Smyrna GA:

A 25 year old employee of a Smyrna mental health facility has been arrested after authorities say he sexually assaulted a juvenile patient aged 16 or under, who was receiving treatment at Ridgeview Institute off Cobb Drive SE.

According to court documents, Jalen Pugh faces charges of sexual assault against a person with a disability, statutory rape, aggravated child molestation, and sodomy.

Investigators allege the incidents occurred after a female minor was admitted to Ridgeview Institute Smyrna on April 10.

Authorities say Pugh allegedly made inappropriate comments to the patient during her admission, including asking personal questions and telling her he planned to bring a condom to work the following day.

According to investigators, Pugh arrived at the facility around 5 a.m. on April 11, approximately two hours before his scheduled shift and is accused of entering the girl’s room and sexually assaulting her.

Court documents state that surveillance video showed Pugh entering the patient’s room multiple times between approximately 5 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.

Investigators also learned that the alleged assaults were not reported immediately. According to the police report, the victim disclosed what had happened to another patient about a week later. That patient notified a staff member, who then informed the victim’s mother and law enforcement.

Police also noted that the facility’s policies generally call for female employees to admit female patients when possible. During the investigation, authorities learned that staffing changes occurred during the victim’s admission, resulting in Pugh handling the check in.

Pugh was arrested and booked into the Cobb County Jail, where he is being held without bond.

The investigation remains ongoing. As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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BALL GROUND, GA:

A Ball Ground man has been sentenced to 30 years after being found guilty on multiple drug and firearm charges following a bench trial in Cherokee County Superior Court.

According to the Office of District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway, 35 year old Jeremiah Joshua Cornette of Ball Ground was sentenced on June 22 by Superior Court Judge Shannon Wallace to 30 years, with the first 10 years to be served in prison and the remainder on probation.

Judge Wallace found Cornette guilty of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of drug-related objects, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The charges stem from a May 15, 2025 incident when a Ball Ground Police officer encountered Cornette sitting on a guardrail near State Route 372 and Interstate 575. After discovering Cornette had an active arrest warrant, officers attempted to take him into custody. Authorities say Cornette became uncooperative and refused repeated commands before eventually complying when a second officer arrived.

During the arrest, officers discovered approximately 23 grams of methamphetamine, a methamphetamine pipe, and a Smith & Wesson .22 caliber pistol in his pocket. Cornette also reportedly told officers he had ingested fentanyl when he saw a Ball Ground patrol vehicle approaching.

Shortly after being placed in a patrol car, Cornette lost consciousness. Officers administered two doses of Narcan, successfully reviving him before he was transported to a hospital for treatment and recovery.

District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway said the sentence reflects the serious danger posed by armed repeat offenders and holds Cornette accountable for continuing to violate the law despite previous felony convictions.

The case was investigated by the Ball Ground Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Leland J. McElveen Jr. of the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit.

#EyeOnCherokee #CherokeeCountyGA #BallGroundGA #CrimeNews #PublicSafety

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA:

Two supervisors with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office have been arrested and terminated following an internal investigation into the alleged misuse of the agency’s Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system.

According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, 45 year old Lt. Chris Bryant of Acworth and 35 year old Sgt. Mike Creeden of Cartersville were arrested Friday after investigators determined they had improperly accessed the ALPR system for reasons unrelated to official law enforcement duties.

The investigation was conducted by the Sheriff’s Office Real Time Intelligence Division after a series of self initiated audits of the department’s license plate reader database. Officials said the audits were part of an ongoing effort to ensure the technology is being used in accordance with agency policy and Georgia law.

During the review, investigators identified irregularities involving three authorized users of the system. A subsequent investigation concluded that the employees had violated both agency policy and state law by accessing license plate reader data for personal reasons rather than legitimate law enforcement purposes.

Bryant and Creeden have each been charged with one felony count of violation of oath of office and one misdemeanor count related to the improper retention and use of license plate data obtained through Automated License Plate Readers.

Both men were booked into the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center and are being held on bonds of $3,812. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that both employees have been terminated from their positions.

The arrests come less than two weeks after the June 12 arrest of Deputy Cynthia Jodesty, who faces similar charges stemming from the same investigation.

In a statement, Cherokee County Sheriff Frank Reynolds emphasized the importance of accountability and maintaining public trust.

“Maintaining the public’s trust requires that our employees uphold the law, safeguard sensitive information, and use the tools entrusted to us only for legitimate law enforcement purposes,” Reynolds said. “I remain committed to ensuring that our agency continues to operate with transparency, professionalism and the highest ethical standards.”

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not released additional details regarding how the license plate reader system was allegedly used or whether any other employees may face disciplinary action.

Eye on Cherokee will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA:

A Canton man has been sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 10 years after a Cherokee County jury found him guilty of a violent armed robbery and attempted murder that left a victim fighting for his life.

Following a two day trial, a jury convicted Prince Hawar Rolle, 27, of Canton, on all 10 charges related to the June 2025 attack at River Ridge Apartments. The convictions included criminal attempt to commit murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, aggravated battery, criminal damage to property, and multiple firearm-related offenses.

According to investigators, Canton Police officers responded to River Ridge Apartments shortly after 4 a.m. on June 26, 2025, after reports of a shooting. Officers discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Authorities said the victim had communicated with Rolle through a dating app before inviting him to his apartment. Once inside, prosecutors said Rolle and an unidentified accomplice carried out a planned robbery. The accomplice allegedly held the victim at gunpoint while Rolle searched the apartment, stealing cash and a loaded Smith & Wesson handgun.

Investigators said Rolle then used the stolen firearm to shoot the victim before firing another round toward the victim and his roommate as he fled the apartment.

The victim sustained severe injuries and spent approximately one month hospitalized at Kennestone Hospital, undergoing multiple surgeries as a result of the attack.

With limited suspect information available, detectives relied heavily on digital evidence to identify Rolle. Investigators connected a dating app profile photo to a Chrysler PT Cruiser captured by a nearby Flock Safety camera. Search warrants executed on Rolle’s cellphones revealed cell tower records placing him near the crime scene, TextNow communications, and messages in which he allegedly discussed stealing a gun and money during the incident.

During the trial, prosecutors presented testimony from nine witnesses and introduced 66 pieces of evidence, including surveillance footage, Ring camera recordings, cellphone records, and text messages. Jurors deliberated for approximately three hours before returning guilty verdicts on all counts.

Superior Court Judge Tony Baker sentenced Rolle to life in prison plus 10 years, the maximum sentence allowed under Georgia law. He must serve at least 30 years before becoming eligible for parole. Judge Baker also ordered Rolle to pay $213,738 in restitution to cover the victim’s medical expenses.

Assistant District Attorney Rachel Murphy praised investigators for their extensive work in building the case through digital and forensic evidence, while District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway highlighted the critical role technology played in identifying and apprehending the suspect.

Authorities have not announced any arrests involving the second suspect who allegedly participated in the robbery. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not disclosed whether the stolen handgun was ever recovered.

Anyone with information regarding the unidentified accomplice is encouraged to contact law enforcement.

COBB COUNTY, GA:

A woman’s commute home turned into a frightening encounter after a man allegedly used fake police lights to conduct an illegal traffic stop along Lower Roswell Road, according to authorities.

What Happened

Alondra Torres reported that she was driving along Lower Roswell Road when a dark Chevrolet Suburban displaying flashing blue and white lights appeared behind her. Believing the vehicle belonged to an undercover law enforcement officer, Torres pulled into a nearby residential neighborhood.

According to investigators, a man later identified as Timothy Hayes exited the vehicle wearing a suit and approached Torres’ driver side window, demanding identification.

Torres became suspicious when Hayes reportedly failed to provide any official law enforcement credentials. Instead, she said he briefly displayed what appeared to be a standard Georgia driver’s license. When questioned further, Hayes allegedly claimed he was an FBI agent and stated that he did not carry traditional badges.

Torres also reported that Hayes appeared to operate the emergency style lights using a small LED remote device inside the SUV.

How the Situation Ended

The encounter ended when Hayes realized Torres was on the phone with her husband, Brendan Williams. Williams later shared details of the incident on the Nextdoor app to alert neighbors.

Torres described the interaction as unsettling, while Williams believes the public post may have helped investigators identify the suspect more quickly.

Charges Filed

Authorities have arrested Timothy Hayes in connection with the incident. He was booked into the Cobb County Jail on March 20 and faces charges of impersonating a public officer and false imprisonment.

Investigators confirmed that Hayes has no affiliation with the FBI or any local law enforcement agency. Officials have not yet determined a motive or whether additional victims may have been targeted.

Safety Reminder for Drivers

Law enforcement officials remind drivers that if they are uncertain about the legitimacy of a traffic stop, they should:

• Turn on hazard lights

• Drive to a well-lit, public location

• Call 911 to confirm the identity of the officer

Authorities encourage anyone who may have experienced a similar encounter to contact local law enforcement.

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. 

A Cherokee County mother has been found guilty of abusing her own child and has been sentenced to 40 years in prison, according to the District Attorney’s Office. Officials described the case as involving “heartbreaking trauma” inflicted on a vulnerable victim.

Prosecutors stated that the investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that caused serious physical and emotional harm. Authorities say the child endured significant suffering before the situation was brought to light and law enforcement intervened.

“This was an extremely difficult case involving unimaginable harm to a child,” officials said. “Protecting children remains one of the highest priorities for our community and justice system.”

Following the guilty verdict, the judge imposed a 40 year prison sentence, reflecting the severity of the crimes and the lasting impact on the victim. Officials emphasized that the sentence sends a strong message that crimes against children will be prosecuted aggressively.

Child welfare advocates say cases like this highlight the importance of community awareness and reporting suspected abuse. Authorities encourage anyone who believes a child may be in danger to contact local law enforcement or the Georgia Division of Family & Children Services.

While the outcome brings a measure of justice, officials acknowledge that the emotional impact on the child and family members can be long lasting. Community resources and counseling services are often recommended to help victims begin the healing process.

Eye on Cherokee News will continue to follow developments related to child safety and local court proceedings impacting the Cherokee County community.

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA:

What should have been a memorable and joyful prom night quickly turned into a frightening ordeal for a group of local teens after the limousine driver hired to transport them was arrested on the way home.

According to parents and students, the group of 10 teens became increasingly concerned about the behavior of the driver, identified as 71 year old Nelson Baba. The teens say they repeatedly begged the driver to pull over as they feared for their safety during the ride back to Cherokee County.

One student described the experience as terrifying, saying the evening began with warning signs when the driver arrived about an hour late to pick up the group. The driver reportedly became lost on the way to the Georgia Aquarium, where the prom was held.

After the event, teens say they immediately noticed something was wrong when they entered the limo, describing a strong smell of marijuana inside the vehicle. Students reported erratic driving behavior and say they became increasingly frightened as the driver struggled to follow directions despite having GPS.

At approximately 10:30 p.m., concerned teens contacted their parents for help, with one message reportedly stating they feared for their lives. The group was eventually able to convince the driver to pull over at a QuikTrip in Holly Springs, where parents met them and contacted authorities.

Deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded and arrested Baba on charges of DUI-Drugs and possession of marijuana. Authorities say he failed a field sobriety test and was unable to recite the alphabet. Deputies also reported that Baba did not have valid certification required to operate a motor vehicle for hire or drive a limousine.

Parents say they are frustrated after requesting a full refund from the limo service involved. According to the company, the driver was contracted through another service provider, and only a partial refund was offered because the first portion of the trip had been completed.

Families say the situation has raised serious concerns about safety and accountability when hiring transportation services for major events such as prom.

Parents are now urging others in the community to thoroughly research transportation providers before booking, verify licensing credentials, and ensure drivers meet all legal requirements to safely transport passengers.

While no injuries were reported, families say the incident left teens shaken and turned what should have been a milestone celebration into a stressful and alarming experience.

Eye on Cherokee News will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

DALTON, GA:

A youth softball game in northwest Georgia is drawing national attention after a physical altercation between adults at the pitcher’s mound was captured on video and widely shared online.

The incident occurred April 4 during an 8U matchup between the Wreckers and GA Fury Platinum Harris teams in Dalton. According to video circulating on social media, tensions escalated as players gathered at the pitcher’s mound for the traditional postgame exchange of handshakes. In the footage, coaches can be seen confronting one another while parents shout for children to “get in the dugout.”

Authorities say the situation quickly turned physical.

According to an arrest report from Dalton Police, Meredith Haskew Grant told officers that members of the opposing team had made unsportsmanlike comments about her daughter during the game. Grant claimed one of the opposing coaches confronted her face-to-face as the teams gathered after the game.

However, after reviewing video of the incident, officers determined Grant was the aggressor.

The police report states Grant shoved one coach, then pushed another coach who attempted to intervene. Investigators say Grant then grabbed a female coach by the hair, pulled her to the ground, and punched her in the face.

The Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Grant was arrested the same day and charged with misdemeanor battery. She later bonded out of the Whitfield County Jail.

One of the coaches involved in the altercation, Lauren Stithem, told reporters she believes the video speaks for itself.

Officials also confirmed Grant is no longer coaching. Jeff Britt, state director of the United States Fastpitch Association, stated Grant will not be permitted to coach in future tournaments affiliated with the organization.

A social media post from the team Grant coached indicates she was inducted into the East Ridge High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024.

The incident has sparked widespread reaction across the youth sports community.

Corey Harvey, a Dalton based umpire and content creator who shared the video online, said altercations like this should never occur at children’s sporting events.

“I’ve umpired 25 years and witnessed a lot, this is the one thing you don’t do,” Harvey said. “When it comes to children and the ball field, fighting is zero tolerance and you will go to jail, you will get banned.”

Northwest tournament director Brent Hamill also addressed the situation, saying appropriate procedures were followed once the incident occurred.

“It was handled on our end using the proper local authorities. This incident has nothing to do with us, but it was handled the proper way as far as the consequences,” Hamill said.

Eye on Cherokee has reached out to the Fury organization and Grant for further comment. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and maintaining a safe environment for young athletes.

MARIETTA, GA:

A Canton man was killed early Tuesday morning after losing control of his motorcycle on Interstate 75 South near South Marietta Parkway, according to the Marietta Police Department.

The crash occurred just after midnight in the southbound lanes of I-75 approaching the bridge over South Marietta Parkway. The Marietta Police Department’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) is leading the investigation.

Preliminary findings indicate that 27 year old Parker Faucett of Canton was riding a 2022 Kawasaki Ninja when he lost control of the motorcycle for reasons that remain under investigation. Authorities said the motorcycle went down in the middle lanes of the interstate.

Several passing motorists stopped to assist and render aid following the crash. Despite those efforts, Faucett succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Investigators are continuing to work to determine what caused the motorcycle to lose control. No additional details have been released at this time.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that could assist investigators is asked to contact Traffic Investigator Henry with the Marietta Police Department at (770) 794-5266.

Eye on Cherokee will provide updates as additional information becomes available.

WOODSTOCK, GA:

Two suspects are behind bars after an early morning vehicle burglary in Woodstock escalated into a shooting, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded shortly after midnight Saturday to a residence on Chesapeake Lane after a homeowner reported an intruder inside his vehicle.

According to investigators, the homeowner was awakened by a Ring doorbell camera alert and checked the live footage, where he observed a man inside his truck parked outside the residence. When the homeowner went outside and confronted the suspect, deputies say the individual fired two rounds in his direction.

The gunfire struck the truck, but fortunately the homeowner was not injured.

Investigators reviewed the home’s surveillance footage and determined there were two suspects involved in the incident. Using additional camera networks in the area, deputies located video of a vehicle leaving the neighborhood at a high rate of speed approximately two minutes after the 911 call was placed.

A lookout was issued for the vehicle, and Atlanta Police later located and stopped it, taking both occupants into custody.

Authorities identified the suspects as 35 year old Montrella Colzie and 24 year old Dameyon Heck.

Investigators say Heck was already wanted on multiple charges, including murder in Atlanta, a probation violation in Cobb County, and manufacturing cocaine in Illinois. Colzie was also wanted for a probation violation in Atlanta.

Both suspects, who are convicted felons, were booked into the Fulton County Jail. In Cherokee County, they are facing charges including entering an automobile and aggravated assault.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Half Naked Man Runs Through BridgeMill Area, Approaches Children on Trampoline, Deputies Say

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA:

 A bizarre afternoon in the BridgeMill Area, ended with a Cherokee County man facing multiple criminal charges after deputies say he ran through the neighborhood partially nude, approached a group of children playing on a trampoline, and behaved erratically while intoxicated.

According to a Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office incident report, deputies were dispatched to the BridgeMill area on April 1 after a 911 caller reported a shirtless man running through the neighborhood without clothes and acting suspiciously near children.

The caller initially feared the man may have been attempting to lure a child into the woods after he emerged from a wooded area behind several homes.

When deputies arrived, they encountered 26 year old Seth Cartledge, who witnesses described as shirtless, intoxicated, and speaking incoherently.

Investigators interviewed three juveniles who were playing on a trampoline when the incident unfolded. According to the report, the children told deputies that Cartledge emerged from the woods and approached them while making strange comments that did not make sense.

One child told deputies the man attempted to get him to enter the woods. Another said Cartledge stood near the trampoline’s exit while talking to them, making the children feel unsafe and uncomfortable. The children repeatedly told him to leave before he eventually walked away.

Parents quickly responded after being alerted by their children and contacted 911.

Deputies later learned from Cartledge’s father that he had reportedly been drinking alcoholic beverages earlier in the day before leaving home on foot.

Sheriff’s deputies determined Cartledge was intoxicated and arrested him on charges of:

* Simple Assault

* Criminal Trespass

* Disorderly Conduct

* Public Drunkenness

According to the report, deputies charged Cartledge with simple assault after determining his actions caused the children to fear they could be injured if they attempted to leave the trampoline area.

All three families requested that Cartledge be formally trespassed from their properties and prohibited from having contact with their children.

Authorities transported Cartledge to the Cherokee Adult Detention Center, where he was issued criminal trespass warnings for the involved properties.

The incident remains a reminder for parents to report suspicious activity immediately, especially when children are involved.

As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested, Terminated Following Alleged Misuse of License Plate Reader Database

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA:

A Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been arrested and terminated from her position following an internal audit that allegedly uncovered improper use of the agency’s Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) database.

According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Cynthia Jodesty, 30, of Canton, was taken into custody Friday after investigators determined she entered the license plate information of another sheriff’s office employee into the ALPR system without a legitimate law enforcement purpose.

Authorities said the issue came to light during a routine internal audit of the database. The ALPR system is designed to assist law enforcement by collecting and analyzing vehicle license plate information for official investigative and public safety purposes.

Following the investigation, Jodesty was charged with one felony count of Violation of Oath of Office and one misdemeanor count of Prohibition on Law Enforcement Retaining License Plate Data Obtained from A.L.P.R.s.

She was booked into the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center and later released Friday evening.

The sheriff’s office confirmed that Jodesty, who had been assigned to the Uniform Patrol Division, has been terminated and is no longer employed by the agency.

Officials have not released additional details regarding the circumstances of the database inquiry or identified the employee whose information was allegedly accessed.

The investigation remains ongoing. As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and the accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Stay with Eye on Cherokee for updates as additional information becomes available.

Cobb County Man Accused of Huffing Electronics Duster, Crashing Vehicle, and Leading Police on Chase

MARIETTA, GA:

A Cobb County man is facing multiple charges after police say he crashed his vehicle, then fled the scene while allegedly inhaling an electronics cleaning spray and leading officers on a dangerous pursuit through Marietta neighborhoods.

According to an arrest warrant, Bradley Carter was involved in a traffic accident on May 21 shortly after 11 a.m. when his Ford F-150 struck a vehicle in front of him in Marietta.

Officers responding to the crash were investigating the incident and instructed Carter to place his truck in park. Instead, authorities say he drove away from the scene.

Investigators allege Carter had fallen asleep behind the wheel after driving while under the influence of Spray-X Electronics Duster, a canned air product commonly used to clean computer keyboards and electronic equipment.

According to the warrant, when officers approached the vehicle and instructed Carter to roll down his window, he allegedly complied while actively inhaling the contents of the can before speeding away.

Police say Carter then drove recklessly through traffic in an attempt to evade officers, weaving between vehicles and creating dangerous conditions for other motorists. Authorities further allege that while heading toward his residence, Carter drove across neighbors’ lawns in an effort to avoid capture.

Carter was ultimately charged with:

* Driving under the influence (DUI)

* Fleeing and attempting to elude police

* Reckless driving

* Following too closely

* Obstructing or hindering law enforcement officers

What Is “Huffing” Electronics Duster?

“Huffing” refers to the intentional inhalation of gas propellants found in canned air products sold at retail stores for cleaning electronics and computer equipment. While some individuals misuse these products to experience a brief euphoric sensation similar to alcohol intoxication, medical experts warn the practice is extremely dangerous.

The chemicals contained in electronics duster products can deprive the body of oxygen, trigger irregular heart rhythms, cause organ damage, and in some cases result in sudden death, even during a person’s first use. Long term abuse can also lead to permanent brain and nervous system damage.

The allegations against Carter remain accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA:

An Acworth man will spend the next two decades behind bars after admitting to a series of crimes tied to a three-day stretch of domestic violence that left a woman badly hurt, court records show.

Victor Manuel Duarte Arias, 31, pleaded guilty without a negotiated agreement to a lengthy list of charges: kidnapping, two counts of family violence aggravated battery, four counts of family violence aggravated assault, three counts of false imprisonment, family violence battery, and third degree cruelty to children. The court handed down a 20 year prison term followed by 10 years on probation, along with orders to pay restitution and to stay away from the victims entirely.

The case traces back to August 2025, when someone called 911 to report a physical altercation between a man and a woman at an apartment complex near Bells Ferry Road, according to authorities. The caller’s first account suggested the woman might have stabbed the man. That is not what responding deputies found. Duarte Arias had no injuries, while the woman was hurt in several ways.

Investigators later pieced together that the woman had allegedly survived roughly three days of abuse, including being strangled, punched and bitten, authorities said. According to officials, Duarte Arias kept her from leaving the apartment each time she tried to get out.

Her injuries were extensive. She had a broken foot, bite wounds on her head, bleeding in her eyes, and trauma inside her mouth that investigators linked to strangulation. She was taken to a hospital for care.

The investigation also revealed that one child had seen the abuse firsthand, and a second child had previously been around earlier episodes of domestic violence, according to the report.

Assistant District Attorney Ashley Snow told the court the evidence pointed to a man who relied on violence to dominate and frighten the victim. “The investigation revealed a pattern of escalating abuse designed to isolate and control the victim,” Snow said.

District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway said the strangulation stood out to prosecutors. Victims who have been strangled often end up at far greater risk of being killed by their abuser, she said. “This sentence holds the defendant accountable for his actions, protects the victim from further harm, and sends a clear message that this type of violence will not be tolerated,” Treadaway said.

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA:

Former “Chrisley Knows Best” cast member Lindsie Chrisley was arrested in Cherokee County over Memorial Day weekend on multiple traffic related charges, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies took Chrisley into custody on May 24. Authorities said she faces charges including DUI, attempting to elude law enforcement, improper passing, reckless driving, and speeding.

According to the sheriff’s office, Chrisley was booked into the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center before being released later the same day after posting a $5,961 bond.

Chrisley, who appeared in several seasons of the reality television series Chrisley Knows Best, is the daughter of Todd Chrisley from a previous marriage.

Chrisley said she was attempting to avoid hitting an animal in the roadway and passed another vehicle on a two lane road before being stopped by deputies. TMZ also reported that she plans to fight the charges in court.

The Chrisley family rose to national fame through their reality television show, but later became the focus of a high profile federal fraud case involving Todd and Julie Chrisley. In 2022, the couple was convicted on federal fraud and tax evasion charges related to fraudulent bank loans totaling more than $30 million.

In 2025, President Donald Trump pardoned Todd and Julie Chrisley, leading to their release from federal prison.

Burglary Suspect Sought After Vape Theft at Kennesaw Amoco

Police in Kennesaw are asking for the public’s help identifying a burglary suspect connected to a late-night theft at a local gas station.

According to the Kennesaw Police Department, the incident happened on April 22, 2026, at approximately 1:18 a.m. at the Amoco located at 1880 Old 41 Highway.

Investigators say the suspect entered the store and stole multiple vape products before fleeing the scene on foot. Police said the individual ran toward the wooded area between the Amoco and the Town Kennesaw Apartments.

Authorities described the suspect as wearing a black hooded jacket, blue jeans, black tennis shoes, gloves, and carrying a light-colored backpack at the time of the incident.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information related to the burglary is asked to contact Officer Smith with the Kennesaw Police Department at 770-429-4533 ext. 0036 or by email at bsmith@kennesaw-ga.gov.

Residents are encouraged to check nearby security cameras or doorbell footage from the area around Old 41 Highway during the early morning hours of April 22.

View the video of the incident posted below.

A Canton woman has been sentenced after pleading guilty in the 2022 death of a two year old girl whose remains were discovered inside a storage bin in a Canton apartment.

According to the Office of the District Attorney for the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit, 44 year old Phillissa Diallo entered a non negotiated guilty plea on May 11 before Chief Superior Court Judge David L. Cannon Jr. Diallo pleaded guilty to murder in the second degree, cruelty to children in the second degree, and concealing the death of another in the death of Alyssa Rose Davis.

Judge Cannon sentenced Diallo to 37 years, with the first 21 years to be served in prison. He also ordered that she have no contact with the victim’s family.

The investigation began on December 14, 2022, when Diallo walked into the Canton Police Department to report a deceased child in her apartment on Hearthstone Landing Drive. Officers responding to the apartment discovered the mutilated remains of two year old Alyssa Rose Davis hidden inside a plastic storage container filled with a salt substance and concealed beneath other items in a closet.

Authorities said Diallo refused to provide additional details to investigators at the time.

An autopsy later determined Alyssa died from lethal levels of acetaminophen and diphenhydramine. Investigators were unable to pinpoint the exact date of death, though the child was last known to be alive on December 8, six days before her body was found.

Prosecutors said Alyssa had been in Diallo’s continuous care for more than two weeks leading up to her death. Ring camera footage obtained during the investigation allegedly showed Diallo leaving the child alone in the apartment for extended periods of time.

Investigators also confirmed the child’s mother remained in regular communication with Diallo and had no knowledge that her daughter had died until contacted by law enforcement.

During the plea hearing, Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Rachel Hines told the court that Diallo admitted Alyssa was still alive when she found her unresponsive, arguing that calling 911 or seeking medical assistance could have potentially saved the child’s life.

“Instead of taking steps to preserve the child’s health and well-being, the defendant demonstrated willful neglect,” Hines said in court. “She then took gruesome, unimaginable steps to conceal her death.”

Among the evidence presented by prosecutors were the storage bin used to conceal the remains, Ring camera footage showing Diallo bringing bleach into the apartment, and crime scene photographs with Blue Star forensic imaging indicating areas where blood had been cleaned.

The defense presented testimony from an independent expert who claimed Diallo was suffering from delusions. However, a Georgia Department of Behavioral Health expert testified that Diallo was not experiencing delusional thoughts at the time of the incident.

The victim’s mother also addressed the court in an emotional impact statement, saying she was “robbed” of her daughter and that her family would never recover from the loss.

Prosecutors had requested the maximum sentence allowed under Georgia law 40 years in prison while the defense asked the court for leniency.

The case was investigated by the Canton Police Department and prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Rachel Hines with the Special Victims Unit for the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit.

Acworth Man Convicted on Multiple Child Sex Trafficking Charges in Cherokee County

A Cherokee County jury has found an Acworth man guilty on multiple felony charges related to the sexual exploitation of a 15 year old girl, according to the Office of Cherokee Judicial Circuit District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway.

Jeremiah Nicholas Norwood, 44, of Acworth, was convicted May 15 following a five day trial in Cherokee County Superior Court. Jurors found Norwood guilty on all six charges he faced, including two counts of trafficking persons for sexual servitude, aggravated child molestation, statutory rape, and two counts of child molestation.

Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 13.

According to prosecutors, the case began in February 2022 after a 15 year old girl reported that an Uber driver had sexually assaulted her. Investigators with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office later identified the driver as Norwood.

Authorities said the victim used the Uber app during the early morning hours of Feb. 5, 2022, to request a ride to a friend’s house in Canton for a sleepover. During the drive, and again later that same morning, prosecutors said Norwood provided the child with various drugs in exchange for sexual acts.

During the trial, jurors heard testimony from nine witnesses, including law enforcement officers, a child sexual abuse expert, the victim and her friend, and forensic experts from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Prosecutors also presented more than 70 pieces of evidence, including the child’s recorded forensic interview, Norwood’s interview with investigators, forensic phone extraction reports, and photographs taken during the execution of a search warrant on the defendant’s vehicle.

After approximately four and a half hours of deliberation, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all charges.

The case was investigated by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Meaghan Frankish of the Special Victims Unit.

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. March 3rd 2026: The Sandy Springs Police Department says its investigation into alleged illicit sexual activity is far from over and detectives are continuing to identify individuals connected to several massage businesses along Roswell Road and Cliftwood Drive.

Authorities confirm the following locations are part of the active investigation:

 • Pileo Therapy — 195 Cliftwood Drive

 • Pearl Massage — 8610 Roswell Road

 • Jade Spa — 8599 Roswell Road

 • Massage Springs — 6309 Roswell Road

Police say the probe includes allegations related to prostitution and potential human trafficking. Detectives are continuing to gather evidence and identify individuals who may have visited or supported the businesses under investigation.

In a strongly worded statement, the department made it clear enforcement will continue:

“We will not tolerate illicit sexual activity, prostitution, or human trafficking in our community. Those who choose to participate in or support this activity should expect to be identified and held accountable.”

Letters on the Way

Officials say individuals who visited any of the listed establishments should anticipate receiving a letter from the police department.

And in what might be the most uncomfortable RSVP in recent memory, police are offering those involved an opportunity to contact detectives before officers arrive at their home or workplace.

If you believe you may be connected to the investigation and would prefer to speak with a detective first, you are encouraged to call 770-551-6900.

A Word to the “Concerned”

Let’s just say if there’s a letter from the police department showing up at the house, that could make for a very awkward evening at the dinner table. Bosses, spouses, and “other important people” may have questions.

Detectives say the investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional businesses or individuals could be identified as the case develops.

Eye on Cherokee will continue to monitor updates as more information becomes available.