Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Tuesday, February 3, 2026:
Two Georgia brothers have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms after investigators say they carried out a years-long fraud scheme targeting Georgia Lottery–regulated gaming machines across the state. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Quinton Watts, 27, and Phillip Watts, 31, both of Sparta, defrauded the Georgia Lottery by stealing money from Coin Operated Amusement Machines (COAMs) in at least 12 Georgia counties over a three-year period.
In his latest legislative report, State Rep. Eddie Lumsden says the Georgia House returned to full work after Winter Storm Fern prompted a State of Emergency and briefly slowed the start of the 2026 session. Lumsden, a Republican from Armuchee, represents Chattooga County and a portion of Floyd County in the Georgia House of Representatives.
Lumsden says House Appropriations subcommittees resumed meetings to review the AFY 2026 and FY 2027 budget proposals, while the House Rules Committee met for the first time this session and the chamber passed its first legislation of 2026. He also noted lawmakers recognized utility crews, first responders, and agencies for storm response and power restoration efforts across North Georgia.
Among key actions, the House passed HB 443 to create offshore fishing endorsement fees to support Georgia-based fisheries surveys, and unanimously adopted HR 1008 to update the state’s water planning council structure. Lumsden also cited final passage of SB 148, which would update public school policies including hunting safety lessons, outdoor learning, expanded personal leave, and changes to AED program requirements. He added that House Speaker Jon Burns introduced the Georgia HOME Act, a proposal aimed at phasing out homestead property taxes by 2032.
You can read Rep. Lumsden’s complete report below:
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, February 2, 2026:
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, February 1, 2026:
Federal authorities are warning the public about a scam involving fraudsters impersonating federal law enforcement and prosecutors. According to the Department of Justice, scammers—possibly operating from outside the United States—are contacting Americans by text message, email, or phone call, falsely claiming the victim is a suspect in a fraud investigation in an attempt to pressure them into handing over money or sensitive information.
Officials say the scam often involves multiple contacts before the criminals begin requesting personal details such as credit card numbers, banking information, or other identifying data. FBI Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge Peter Ellis said scammers rely on fear and intimidation, and warned that the FBI will pursue those involved.
The DOJ says these scammers may use convincing details—such as real-sounding titles, badge numbers, names, and addresses—and can even spoof phone numbers to make it appear calls are coming from legitimate government agencies. Authorities stress that federal agencies do not call and demand money or personal information over the phone, and anyone receiving these messages should not provide information and should report suspected scams.
A Chattooga County man previously convicted of child molestation has returned to court following his release from prison, according to court records. Terry Lee Coleman was originally charged after incidents involving a child under the age of 16, with the offenses occurring over a period of time prior to his arrest.
Coleman pleaded guilty to child molestation and was sentenced to prison, later being released after serving his sentence. Court documents indicate the recent hearing involved compliance issues tied to the terms of his release, including supervision and restrictions required under Georgia law for registered sex offenders.
The case remains under the oversight of the court, with officials stressing that convicted sex offenders are subject to strict monitoring requirements designed to protect the public. Any violations of release conditions can result in additional legal action.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, January 30, 2026:
A Chattooga County man has been arrested following an investigation into multiple fires reported at a vacant property on 228 Weems Road.
A Rome man who was originally arrested August 12 on a burglary charge is now facing a felony count of involuntary manslaughter. According to an arrest warrant, 52-year-old Anthony James Ponto was allegedly attempting to burglarize a home on East Hermitage Road in the Kingston area when he was confronted by 59-year-old John Richard Couey.
The warrant states a physical altercation occurred during the confrontation. After Ponto was arrested on the burglary charge, Couey reportedly suffered a medical event and later died. The new involuntary manslaughter charge has been filed in connection with the circumstances surrounding Couey’s death.