Crime & Punishment

All Eyes on Harlan Proveaux as Georgia Investigation Into Hee Haw Shooting Begins

The Great State of Georgia:

The eyes of Georgia and increasingly the nation are now turning toward the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Law Enforcement Division as investigators take over the case surrounding the fatal shooting of Hee Haw, a beloved miniature donkey in Polk County.

At the center of that investigation is Harlan Proveaux, the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Inspector General and Chief of Law Enforcement.

For a state that has watched the heartbreaking story unfold, emotions are running high.

Georgia has a lot of people ready to grab their metaphorical pitchforks and demand justice for Hee Haw. But now the case moves from public outrage to something that matters even more: an independent investigation and the facts.

The Cedartown officer involved has been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues. Police Chief Jamie Newsom has confirmed that body camera video exists and that he has reviewed it, but he has declined to publicly discuss what the footage shows. The Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Division is now investigating.

Who Is Harlan Proveaux?

Proveaux is not a newcomer to law enforcement.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture appointed him in 2023 as Inspector General and Director of its Law Enforcement and Emergency Management Division after the department restored its law enforcement status.

According to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Proveaux brought 29 years of law enforcement and emergency management experience to the position, with experience across state and local agencies.

His background includes service as a Georgia Department of Natural Resources law enforcement game warden, work with the Ware County Sheriff’s Office, leadership at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center and service as a magistrate court judge.

That experience now puts Proveaux and his investigators in the middle of one of the most emotionally charged cases the division has faced.

What Does the Agriculture Department’s Law Enforcement Division Do?

The division is far more than an agricultural inspection agency.

Georgia restored the department’s law enforcement authority in 2023, giving its officers the ability to investigate criminal activity involving Georgia’s agricultural industry.

The department’s Law Enforcement Division handles a broad range of issues, including animal cruelty, agricultural crimes, labor violations, drug trafficking, agro terrorism and security concerns involving agricultural facilities and markets.

The division has also worked alongside other law enforcement agencies on major investigations, including drug trafficking cases and criminal activity involving agricultural operations.

In other words, investigating allegations involving an animal on agricultural property falls within the type of authority the department has been rebuilding.

Now Comes the Hard Part

The public wants answers.

Why was Hee Haw shot?

What exactly happened in those moments before the gun was fired?

What does the body camera footage show?

Was the officer confronted with an immediate threat?

Were other options available?

Was the officer’s response consistent with Georgia law and applicable law enforcement policies?

Those are questions that social media cannot answer.

They are questions investigators must answer through evidence.

That could include reviewing body camera footage, interviewing witnesses, examining the scene, reviewing reports and determining exactly what happened before, during and after the shooting.

Ultimately, investigators will have to determine whether the shooting was legally justified and whether any laws were violated.

Georgia Is Watching

Hee Haw’s death has struck a nerve far beyond Polk County.

He was not simply livestock to the family who raised him. His owner has described him as a beloved member of the family who was bottle raised from birth and brought joy to children and others who encountered him.

Now, the case has become a test of whether Georgia’s newly restored agricultural law enforcement division can provide the public with answers in a case involving an animal that many Georgians have come to love.

There will undoubtedly be anger.

There will be demands for accountability.

There will be people ready with their metaphorical pitchforks.

But justice cannot be decided by a Facebook comment section, a rumor or public outrage.

It must be decided by evidence, law and facts.

And right now, the man responsible for overseeing that investigation is Harlan Proveaux.

Georgia is watching and Eye on Cherokee will be watching right alongside them.

WE ARE HERE FOR HEE HAW

The Pasture Is Empty. But We Are Not Going Away.

By Sal Insinga, Chief Editor, Eye on Cherokee

The pasture where Hee Haw once lived is empty.

But the silence coming from that pasture has been heard all across our community.

For Hee Haw’s family, there is an emptiness that cannot simply be explained away. For the animals who shared that farm, there is a familiar friend who is suddenly gone.

And for the people who loved him, there are questions that deserve answers.

At Eye on Cherokee, we cover it all.

We report the celebrations. We report the tragedies. We report the stories that make us laugh, the stories that make us angry and the stories that leave us struggling to find the words.

Hee Haw is one of those stories.

There wasn’t a dry eye in our newsroom.

Because this wasn’t just another story.

This was Hee Haw.

He was a living creature who was loved, cared for and part of a family.

And now his pasture sits empty.

We understand that investigations take time. We understand that facts matter. We will follow those facts wherever they lead.

But let there be no misunderstanding:

WE ARE HERE FOR HEE HAW.

As Chief Editor of Eye on Cherokee, I have directed our staff to monitor this story from beginning to end.

We will ask questions.

We will follow developments.

We will report what can be verified.

And we will continue standing beside the family as they grieve.

This is Georgia.

We love our animals. We raise them, care for them, protect them and welcome them into our families. When one of them is lost, the pain is real.

Hee Haw deserved to come home.

Instead, his family is left staring at an empty pasture.

That shouldn’t be forgotten.

So while the pasture may be empty, Eye on Cherokee will not be silent.

We will be watching.

We will be listening.

And we will be here for Hee Haw.

Until the very end.

Sal Insinga

Chief Editor

Eye on Cherokee

Chris McCormick Takes the Reins in Fight for Justice for HeeHaw

Polk County, GA:

The heartbreaking death of HeeHaw, a beloved miniature donkey killed by a Cedartown police officer during a search for a missing child, has ignited outrage far beyond the family’s farm.

Now, the family has brought in Chris McCormick of the McCormick Law Group, putting a seasoned attorney at the center of an increasingly emotional fight for answers and accountability.

HeeHaw was not simply an animal to his family. He was raised by them, bottle fed and loved, and had become part of their everyday lives. His death has left the family grieving while the public continues to demand answers about exactly what happened that night.

McCormick’s involvement adds a powerful new dimension to the case.

The family now has an attorney to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, scrutinize the available evidence and pursue whatever legal options may be available.

Meanwhile, the officer involved remains on administrative leave while the Georgia Department of Agriculture investigates the shooting.

For the family, however, administrative leave doesn’t bring HeeHaw back.

And for a public that watched the heartbreaking aftermath unfold online, the questions aren’t going away.

Could HeeHaw’s death have been prevented?

That is ultimately what McCormick and the family will be looking to answer.

The public may have sharpened its pitchforks, but McCormick has something far more powerful: the law, the evidence and the determination to make sure this family is heard.

HeeHaw may be gone, but his story isn’t over.

Eye on Cherokee will continue following Chris McCormick’s efforts on behalf of the family and the investigation into HeeHaw’s death.

Beloved Donkey HeeHaw Shot and Killed During Overnight Police Search in Polk County

Polk County, GA:

A beloved miniature donkey named HeeHaw was shot and killed by a law enforcement officer early Sunday morning during an overnight search for a missing person, prompting an investigation and calls for answers from his family.

According to the family and Elsberry Riding and Farm, officers entered a pasture at approximately 12:45 a.m. while searching the property. The family says they did not give officers permission to enter the pasture.

The family identified the donkey as HeeHaw, a bottle raised animal who had been raised around people and was described as a beloved member of the family. He had also participated in petting zoos and interacted with children and members of the public.

According to the family’s account, HeeHaw approached the officers while braying. The family says officers told them the donkey was running toward them and that they believed they were in danger. The family further alleges that officers attempted to use a Taser before an officer shot and killed HeeHaw.

Those details have not been independently verified, and authorities have not publicly released a detailed account of the encounter.

The Cedartown Police Department has confirmed that an officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave while the incident is investigated. Police Chief Jamie Newsome said command staff opened an investigation into the shooting.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office also clarified that its deputies were not involved. According to the sheriff’s office, officers from the Polk County Police Department and Cedartown Police Department were involved in the incident.

Officials have not identified the officer who fired the fatal shot or publicly explained what circumstances led to the use of deadly force against HeeHaw.

The shooting has generated significant public reaction online, with many people expressing sympathy for HeeHaw’s family and questioning why the encounter ended with the animal’s death. 

HeeHaw’s owner, Hannah Israel, has described the donkey as much more than a farm animal.

“He was my SON,” Israel wrote in a public post.

Israel has said she intends to pursue legal action and is seeking answers about what happened during the encounter.

A fundraiser has also been established to help the family with legal expenses related to the incident.

For now, the circumstances surrounding HeeHaw’s death remain under investigation.

Eye on Cherokee will continue to follow the investigation as additional information becomes available.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.