Chattooga County has achieved a significant breakthrough in its legal dispute with Zentell Communications, LLC, by securing a consent judgment for $333,265.00 related to a failed internet service project in Menlo.

Jonathan W. Allen, Managing Member of Zentell Communications, LLC, signed the consent judgment, effectively admitting to the allegations outlined in the complaint filed by Chattooga County. The judgment, which represents the full value of the contract in question, was formally filed in the Superior Court of Chattooga County on July 15, 2025.

The lawsuit alleged that Zentell Communications failed to deliver on its promise to provide internet service to the community of Menlo, despite receiving over $300,000 in county funds. These funds were specifically allocated under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) with the explicit purpose of expanding vital internet access to underserved areas.

This legal development unfolds amidst an ongoing and broader investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). The GBI probe is focused on alleged misappropriation of public funds by former Chattooga County Commissioner Blake Elsberry. This investigation was reportedly triggered by an audit of the county’s financial records, which uncovered discrepancies directly linked to the Menlo internet project.

When contacted for comment on Tuesday, Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen stated that he could not discuss the consent judgment at this time. However, Commissioner Allen did confirm that the consent judgment is a civil matter. He further confirmed that the GBI’s investigation into the alleged misappropriation of public funds, involving both former Commissioner Blake Elsberry and Zentell Communications, remains active and ongoing.