District Attorney's Office for Polk and Haralson Counties

09/17/2026

NOW HIRING: CONTRACT JUVENILE PROSECUTOR
The Tallapoosa Circuit District Attorney’s Office is seeking a contract Juvenile Prosecuting Attorney to join our team.

The selected attorney will be responsible for prosecuting juvenile delinquency cases in Haralson and Polk Counties and will serve as the Juvenile Court Accountability Court Prosecutor.

Position Responsibilities:
• Prosecute juvenile delinquency cases in Haralson and Polk Counties
• Serve as the prosecutor for Juvenile Court Accountability Court
• Work closely with Juvenile Court judges, probation officers, law enforcement, victims, families, and other stakeholders
• Represent the interests of the State while promoting accountability and appropriate outcomes for juveniles

Compensation: Contract terms and compensation are negotiable based upon experience and qualifications.

The Tallapoosa Circuit District Attorney’s Office is committed to serving our communities with professionalism, accountability, integrity, and a focus on the safety of our citizens.

Interested candidates may submit a résumé and letter of interest to Jessie Watters at [email protected]
Must be an active member of the State Bar of Georgia in good standing.

09/16/2026

The Office of the District Attorney proudly supports our entire CASA team and the important mission they carry out each day. Their dedication to advocating for and giving a voice to our most vulnerable population, children in foster care, is invaluable. We are grateful for the compassion, commitment, and advocacy they provide to these children.

Recent news regarding the prosecution of a former employee for embezzlement has understandably shaken our community. We want to be clear: current CASA leadership and board members were victims of this scheme, not perpetrators. The organization took immediate steps to cooperate fully with the FBI, GBI, and federal prosecutors to ensure accountability and protect the integrity of the agency.

CASA’s mission remains unchanged: recruiting, training, and supporting dedicated volunteers who advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in our court system. The betrayal by one or two individuals does not diminish the incredible work our advocates do every day to ensure vulnerable children have a voice.

Now more than ever, CASA needs our community's support to replace these stolen resources and continue serving children in Polk and Haralson.

09/16/2026

The Office of the District Attorney is proud to have worked with the United States Attorney’s Office in bringing justice to Polk County and the CASA program. This was the first case District Attorney Jaeson Smith referred to the U.S. Attorney for prosecution after he was elected.

ROME, Ga. - Jennifer O’Neal, a former program specialist for a nonprofit corporation serving abused and neglected children, pled guilty today to stealing nearly $100,000 from the organization.

“O’Neal violated her company’s core values, stealing tens of thousands of dollars meant to support the most vulnerable members of our community – abused and neglected children,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “We are thankful for the cooperation of our state and local law enforcement partners who helped uncover and investigate this reprehensible conduct.”

“This was not a one-time, spur of the moment decision. Jennifer O’Neal frequently and repeatedly stole from her company for her own personal gain,” said Mitchell Jackson, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent in FBI Atlanta’s Cartersville Office. “The FBI is committed to uncovering and bringing to justice those who commit criminal actions like these.”

“Organizations that serve vulnerable individuals depend on their employees to uphold the highest standards of integrity. O’Neal violated that trust for her own personal gain, stealing funds intended to serve abused and neglected children,” said Chris Hosey, Director, Georgia Bureau of Investigation. “The GBI remains committed to working alongside our local, state, and federal partners to hold accountable those who abuse positions of trust.”

According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Court Appointed Special Advocates of Polk & Haralson, Inc. (“CASA of Polk & Haralson” or “CASA”) is a nonprofit organization that recruits, trains, and supports citizen-volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in courts and the community. It also helps volunteers establish consistent, one-on-one relationships with foster children.

CASA of Polk & Haralson employed O’Neal as a program specialist in charge of processing payroll and expense reimbursements for staff and volunteers. From 2018 to 2022, O’Neal issued frequent fraudulent payments to herself and others from CASA’s bank accounts that were not for legitimate CASA expenses.

Some of the improper payments were disguised as mileage payments for travel to court appearances or conferences, or expense reimbursements for restaurants, groceries, utilities, and clothes purportedly for volunteers, staff, and children. However, the mileage charges were inflated or were based on travel that did not occur, and the restaurant, grocery, utilities, and clothes reimbursements were made for O’Neal’s personal expenses. For example, O’Neal used CASA funds to pay for her own power, water/sewage, and cell phone bills. Some payments covered charges at a Six Flags amusement park, a Netflix subscription, and purchases of softball gear and lingerie. O’Neal also issued payments purportedly for office supplies but used to purchase home theater equipment that she installed at her residence.

In total, O’Neal embezzled $96,713 from CASA of Polk & Haralson.

Jennifer O’Neal, 63, of Cedartown, Georgia, pled guilty to a criminal information charging theft of federal program funds. Sentencing is scheduled for December 17, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. before United States District Judge William M. Ray, II.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant United States Attorneys Garrett L. Bradford and Calvin A. Leipold, III are prosecuting the case. The Tallapoosa Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office referred the case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for federal prosecution.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

09/11/2026

09/08/2026

FORMER BREMEN COACH GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS

Former Bremen coach Geoffrey Brad Matthews has been found guilty on all 13 counts submitted to a Haralson County jury following an eleven-day criminal trial, one of the longest criminal trials in the history of Haralson County.

The charges included child molestation and grooming-related offenses, among others. Throughout the eleven-day trial, the State called 33 witnesses, including seven victims from Bremen High School and two similar transaction victims. Following the presentation of evidence and arguments, the jury returned guilty verdicts on every count submitted for its consideration. Sentencing has been scheduled for October 6 at 9:00 a.m.

Tallapoosa Circuit District Attorney Jaeson Smith praised the courage of the victims who came forward and helped bring the case to trial. “I want to thank these brave young men for coming forward,” District Attorney Smith said. “The level of courage it took for them to come forward and help bring this predator to justice is unbelievable. Their willingness to speak up not only made this prosecution possible, but demonstrated tremendous strength in the face of extraordinarily difficult circumstances.”

District Attorney Smith also commended Assistant District Attorney Jason Jones and the entire prosecution team for their extraordinary preparation and commitment throughout the eleven-day trial. “I want to personally thank Assistant District Attorney Jason Jones, D.A. Investigator Blake Terry and every member of our prosecution team who played a role in bringing this case to trial. Their dedication, professionalism, and countless hours of preparation were evident throughout this trial. The work they put into this case did not go unnoticed, and I could not be more proud of the way our entire office came together to seek justice for these victims.”

08/26/2026

Earlier this summer, District Attorney Jaeson Smith joined fellow District Attorneys from across the Northern District of Georgia for a meeting with United States Attorney Theodore Hertzberg, pictured center front.

The Tallapoosa Circuit District Attorney’s Office values its strong working relationship with the United States Attorney’s Office. Through continued collaboration between local, state, and federal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies, we remain committed to holding the most dangerous offenders accountable and keeping our communities safe.

08/23/2026

DA SMITH ANNOUNCES VERDICT

Robert Hershell Williams, 56, has been convicted of Child Molestation, Sexual Battery Against a Child Under the Age of 16, and Enticing a Child for Indecent Purposes following a four-day jury trial in Polk County Superior Court.

After the presentation of evidence and closing arguments on Thursday, August 20, the jury began deliberations. In less than 10 minutes, the jury returned a verdict finding Williams guilty on all charges.

During the trial, the Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Alison Karch presented testimony from numerous witnesses, including individuals who identified themselves as previous victims of Williams. Their testimony provided them an opportunity to present their past experiences while in his care. Deputy Chief Karch worked with each of these victims in order to prepare them, physically and emotionally, to tell their stories.

Tallapoosa Circuit District Attorney Jaeson Smith praised the courage of those who came forward and expressed his appreciation to the citizens who served on the jury.
“It takes tremendous courage for victims to come forward and speak about experiences that have affected them so deeply,” said District Attorney Smith. “I am incredibly proud of the courage shown by those who were willing to tell their stories and make their voices heard. I also want to thank the members of this jury for the attentiveness and seriousness they demonstrated throughout this trial. Their careful attention to the evidence and their service to our community are deeply appreciated.”

Following the reading of the verdict, Williams was remanded into the custody of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 6 at 9:00 a.m.

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.