Child Cruelty Charges Filed Following Armuchee Drug Investigation

Two people already jailed on methamphetamine trafficking charges are now facing additional charges after authorities say a 2-year-old child was found living in unsafe conditions at an Armuchee-area residence.

According to Floyd County Jail records, the new charges stem from the execution of a search warrant on September 4 at a home on Turkey Mountain Road.

Investigators say the child was living inside a bug-infested residence where methamphetamine was within reach. Authorities allege the conditions inside the home were so unhealthy that they caused physical and mental pain to the child.

45-year-old Roland Jovan Johnson and 27-year-old Marissa Shaye Cannon are each charged with second-degree cruelty to children.

Both Johnson and Cannon were already being held in jail following their earlier arrests in connection with the Turkey Mountain Road investigation.

They had previously been booked on charges including trafficking methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

The additional child cruelty charges were filed after investigators reviewed the conditions found inside the residence during the September 4 search

LaFayette Man Killed In Motorcycle Crash On Shinbone Valley Road In Menlo

A LaFayette man was killed Saturday evening following a motorcycle crash on Shinbone Valley Road in Menlo, according to Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy A. McElhaney.

Authorities said the Chattooga County E-911 Center notified the coroner’s office at approximately 6:18 PM on Saturday, May 16, 2026, regarding a fatal motor vehicle accident.

Upon arrival at the scene, Coroner McElhaney pronounced 39-year-old James Cody Penland dead at the scene.

Preliminary information indicates Penland was the sole operator of a motorcycle that left the roadway and struck a tree. The crash was reportedly discovered and called in by a passer-by. Investigators do not believe anyone else was involved.

The Georgia State Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the accident.

Responding agencies included the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Atrium Floyd EMS, and the Menlo Fire Department.

Summerville Woman Arrested After Domestic Disturbance and Struggle With Police

A Summerville woman was arrested after a domestic disturbance allegedly led to property damage and a physical confrontation with officers.

Read more

Walker County Government Building To Reopen After Water Damage

The Walker County Local Government Services building, located at 122 Highway 95 in Rock Spring, will reopen to the public on Monday, April 27th following a temporary closure caused by a burst pipe last week.

The incident resulted in water damage throughout the lower level of the building, prompting repairs and limited access to certain areas.

When the Tax Commissioner’s Office reopens Monday, officials say there will be limited public space available. Despite those constraints, all tag and tax services will still be offered to residents.

The Local Government Services building houses several key departments, including the Tax Commissioner’s Office, Assessors Office, Planning and Zoning, and Codes Enforcement. The Planning Office has already resumed operations, though with limited space for the public.

Summerville City Council To Tackle Projects, Spending, And Community Issues This Evening

The Summerville City Council is set to meet this evening with a full agenda that includes financial decisions, infrastructure projects, and several items that could affect the local community.

Read more

AngioScreen Bus Coming To Chattooga Health Fair Could Help Save Lives

The Chattooga Health Fair is coming up, and this year it will include an AngioScreen bus offering important preventative screenings. The screening checks for early warning signs of heart attack and stroke before symptoms ever appear. That is what makes it so important. Many people feel completely normal and go about their daily lives with no idea that a serious health issue could already be developing.

Read more

Dalton Police Seeking Additional Victims In Lewd Acts Case Involving Summerville Man

The Dalton Police Department says investigators are looking for additional victims after a 21-year-old Chattooga County man was arrested for allegedly performing lewd acts inside his vehicle while watching a jogger.

Read more

Community Connect Day Planned For May 30 At Summerville Train Depot

A community-wide event designed to connect residents with local organizations, businesses, and services is set for Saturday, May 30, in downtown Summerville.

Read more

Chattooga County Delivers Strong Republican Wins In Both Runoff Races

Chattooga County voters delivered decisive Republican victories in both of Tuesday’s special election runoff races, with Clay Fuller winning the U.S. House District 14 contest and Lanny Thomas capturing the Georgia State Senate District 53 seat. Official Georgia results show Fuller won Chattooga County with 2,546 votes, or 69.81 percent, compared to 1,101 votes, or 30.19 percent, for Democrat Shawn Harris. In the Senate race, Thomas defeated John Bentley “Jack” Zibluk with 2,686 votes, or 74.38 percent, to 925 votes, or 25.62 percent.

Read more

Arrest Report – Thursday – April 2, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, April 2, 2026:

Read more