District Attorney's Office for Polk and Haralson Counties

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.

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."