District Attorney's Office for Polk and Haralson Counties

08/13/2026

🌭🌭Thanks to WGAT Towing, who partnered with Sheriff Williams, on treating the courthouse staff to The Varsity today!

08/08/2026

The Office of the District Attorney Mourns the Passing of Investigator Rick Poor

It is with great sadness that the Office of the District Attorney announces the passing of longtime investigator Rick Poor, who passed away Thursday.

Rick devoted many years of distinguished service to the pursuit of justice and to the people of the Tallapoosa Judicial Circuit. His exceptional career was recognized in 2020 when he was named the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia’s Investigator of the Year, an honor that reflected his professionalism, dedication, and commitment to the work.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Rick knew him not only as an exceptional investigator, but also as a loyal friend and, above all, a genuinely kind and compassionate man. He was respected by his colleagues and law enforcement partners and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him.

Rick’s commitment to his family was equally evident. He retired from the District Attorney’s Office to care for his wife, Robin. His devotion to her was a testament to the character and compassion that defined him throughout his life.

The Office of the District Attorney extends its deepest condolences to Robin, Jason, Jenn and the entire Poor family.

Please keep Rick’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. His service, friendship, and memory will not be forgotten.

07/16/2026

DA SMITH ANNOUNCES SENTENCE FROM MULTI-AGENCY ARREST

Amanda Booker, 40, has been sentenced to six years in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to one count of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Booker entered her guilty plea in Polk County Superior Court on Tuesday, July 7, and was sentenced to serve six years in state prison.

The conviction resulted from a cooperative investigation conducted by the GBI Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force, the Bartow County Drug Task Force, and the DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Unit. Law enforcement officers recovered methamphetamine when they arrived at Booker's residence in Aragon to execute an arrest after a lengthy investigation.

Assistant District Attorney H. Burton Baker prosecuted the case on behalf of the Tallapoosa Circuit District Attorney's Office.

District Attorney Jaeson Smith commended the agencies involved in the investigation and recognized the unique role of the Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force.
"The Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force is primarily comprised of local officers who are assigned to work alongside the Georgia Bureau of Investigation on complex drug investigations. Their work is invaluable in identifying, investigating, and removing local drug dealers from our communities. I also want to recognize the outstanding partnership provided by the Bartow County Drug Task Force and the DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Unit. Their collaborative efforts make our communities safer and ensure that those who choose to distribute dangerous narcotics are held accountable."

The Tallapoosa Circuit District Attorney's Office remains committed to working alongside its local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute those who distribute illegal narcotics and to protect the citizens of Polk and Haralson counties.

07/15/2026

DA SMITH ANNOUNCES DRUG SENTENCING

Dontavious Demond Darden, 39, of Rockmart, has been sentenced to 25 years following his guilty plea to one count of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Superior Court Judge Mark Murphy imposed a sentence requiring Darden to serve the first 10 years in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections, followed by 15 years on probation.

The conviction stems from Darden's arrest on Christmas Day 2024 at a Johnsons Lake Road residence in Polk County. The investigation resulted in the recovery of methamphetamine intended for distribution. At the time of his arrest, Darden was on parole for a prior conviction involving possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Darden has been continuously incarcerated by the Department of Corrections since his arrest.

Assistant District Attorney H. Burton Baker prosecuted the case on behalf of the State. The investigation was conducted by the Polk County Police Department.

District Attorney Jaeson Smith praised the work of law enforcement and emphasized his office's commitment to holding repeat offenders accountable.
"We are sending repeat offenders to prison. Those who continue to poison our communities with dangerous drugs will spend years behind bars. My office will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute those who choose to traffic and distribute illegal narcotics in our communities."

The Tallapoosa Circuit District Attorney's Office remains committed to working alongside local law enforcement agencies to reduce the availability of illegal drugs and protect the citizens of Polk and Haralson counties.

07/14/2026

DA SMITH ANNOUNCES M**H TRAFFICKING SENTENCE

Mitchell Ryan McChargue, of Cedartown, has been sentenced to 30 years, with the first 25 years to be served in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections, after pleading guilty to one count of Trafficking in Methamphetamine.
Superior Court Judge Mark Murphy imposed the sentence and also ordered McChargue to pay a $500,000 fine as part of the disposition.

The investigation began late in the evening of December 23, 2024, when citizens called 911 to report two individuals who were unresponsive in a vehicle parked at a local dining establishment. Law enforcement officers responded to the scene, and their investigation ultimately led to the seizure of nearly 650 grams of methamphetamine—more than 23 times the amount required to prosecute under Georgia law to constitute trafficking. The successful prosecution removed a significant quantity of dangerous narcotics from the community and highlighted the importance of swift action by both citizens and law enforcement.

McChargue's co-defendant, Gina Nicole Gonzalez, 36, of Cedartown, was previously sentenced in January 2026 to 30 years, with the first 10 years to be served in prison, after pleading guilty to trafficking involving a lesser quantity of methamphetamine.

Assistant District Attorney H. Burton Baker prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of the District Attorney. The Cedartown Police Department and the GBI Northwest Georgia Task Force led the investigation.

District Attorney Jaeson Smith commended everyone involved in the investigation. "This case demonstrates how a single 911 call can have a tremendous impact on public safety. Because concerned citizens took the time to report what they believed was an emergency, law enforcement officers were able to uncover a major trafficking operation and remove over half of a kilo of methamphetamine from our streets. I want to thank our local law enforcement agencies for their outstanding investigative work and the citizens whose actions helped make this case possible."

07/04/2026

07/02/2026

The Office of the District Attorney was honored to host Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles Chairwoman Joyette Holmes and her team last week. During their visit, Chairwoman Holmes and her staff met with the families of multiple murder victims, providing them an opportunity to share the lasting impact these crimes have had on their lives. These Victim Impact Sessions ensure that the voices of victims' families are heard and considered as the parole process moves forward.

07/01/2026

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸Tallapoosa Circuit District Attorney Jaeson Smith has issued newly commissioned badges to each Assistant District Attorney in recognition of America250, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

The badges feature intricate engravings honoring some of the nation's most influential leaders throughout American history, along with the United States Constitution. The badges serve as a symbol of the enduring principles of justice, liberty, and the rule of law that have guided the nation for nearly two and a half centuries.

The badges were purchased with surplus funds to replace a set of badges which were almost 20 years old.

"The Constitution remains the foundation of our justice system and the oath each prosecutor takes to uphold the law," said District Attorney Jaeson Smith. "As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, these badges are a reminder of the responsibility we carry each day to faithfully serve the people and preserve the principles upon which our country was founded."

The badges will be carried by Assistant District Attorneys as a tribute to the nation's history and the continued commitment of the Office of the District Attorney to uphold the United States Constitution.

06/30/2026

Georgia Court of Appeals Upholds Haralson County Aggravated Assault Conviction

The Georgia Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of Wanda Ebie, affirming a Haralson County jury's February 2024 guilty verdict for aggravated assault.

Ebie was convicted after a jury found that she committed aggravated assault by firing a gun through a door, striking the victim in the face.

On appeal, Ebie argued that Superior Court Judge Mark Murphy erred by not providing more information on self defense to the jury. At trial defense argued that the shooting resulted from an accident rather than self defense. The Georgia Court of Appeals rejected that argument, affirming Judge Murphy's ruling and holding that the evidence presented at trial did not support a legal claim of self-defense. The Court of Appeals noted Judge Murphy’s “lengthy and detailed” order in their decision.

Chief Assistant District Attorney Robert Peterkin prosecuted the case on behalf of the State at both the trial and appellate levels.

District Attorney Jaeson Smith commended the work of the prosecution and the courts in preserving the jury's verdict.
"The jury carefully considered the evidence and returned a guilty verdict based on the facts presented at trial. The Court of Appeals correctly recognized that the evidence simply did not support a claim of self-defense. We appreciate Chief Assistant District Attorney Robert Peterkin's exceptional work in successfully defending this conviction through the appellate process and Judge Murphy's careful application of the law throughout the proceedings."

The Tallapoosa Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office remains committed to defending valid convictions on appeal and ensuring justice for victims and their families

06/29/2026

DA SMITH ANNOUNCES UPHOLDING OF MURDER CONVICTION

Chief Superior Court Judge Mark Murphy has upheld the 2023 murder conviction of Jalen Biggs following a remand from the Supreme Court of Georgia for additional legal analysis.

The Supreme Court directed the trial court to reanalyze its ruling excluding certain hearsay testimony that Biggs sought to introduce regarding alleged prior acts of violence by the victim toward a third party. The third party did not testify at trial, and the evidence presented did not substantiate the allegations as asserted by the defense.

Throughout the proceedings, Biggs maintained that he acted in self-defense. However, the evidence presented at trial—including surveillance video from the victim's residence—showed Biggs shooting the unarmed victim from across the driveway at the victim’s home, contradicting his claim of self-defense.

In a comprehensive 55-page order, Judge Murphy conducted a detailed review of the applicable law and the facts of the case, ultimately concluding that the conviction should stand.

The case was prosecuted at trial by Assistant District Attorney Sarah Japour, who now serves as the District Attorney for the West Georgia Judicial Circuit. Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Alison Karch represented the State throughout the appellate proceedings.

District Attorney Jaeson Smith praised the work of the court and the prosecution team.
"Judge Murphy is known throughout Georgia as one of the most thorough jurists on the bench. We appreciate his careful analysis of both the law and the facts in this well-reasoned decision. District Attorney Sarah Japour and Deputy Chief Alison Karch have been masterful advocates for the State throughout this case. We will continue to defend this conviction through the remainder of the appellate process to ensure that justice is upheld and that Biggs serves the life sentence imposed for this senseless murder."

The Office of the District Attorney remains committed to vigorously defending lawful convictions on appeal and ensuring justice for victims and their families.