Spending at the Chattooga County Jail has surpassed $1 million, a costly milestone now drawing closer attention from county leaders and taxpayers. Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader reported the figure as officials continue to monitor rising detention costs and their impact on the county budget.
Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Joe Montgomery, a familiar and respected figure in law enforcement across the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, has retired this week following an extraordinary 41-year career with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Of his four decades of service, 31 years were dedicated specifically to the communities within the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit.
The Christmas season arrived with smiles and warm wishes in Chattooga County as the Sheriff’s Office delivered gift baskets to seniors at Oakview Health and Rehab in Summerville this week, along with dozens more to homebound residents across the county.
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office says deputies and investigators were dispatched to a residence south of Holland off Highway 100 before noon on Monday, December 8, 2025, after a deceased body was discovered inside the home.
Sheriff’s officials say that upon arrival, investigators located a body in the latter stages of decomposition. Investigators then secured a search warrant for the residence and property. The GBI was requested to assist, including a crime scene technician and agent, and Coroner McElhaney also responded to the scene.
Preliminary findings suggest the individual had been deceased for an extended period of time, possibly more than one year. The investigation remains in the early stages, and attempts to locate and notify next of kin are underway.
Authorities report there were no signs of forced entry, and it appears the resident lived alone. Sheriff Mark A. Schrader said at this time investigators do not believe there is a safety concern for area residents. The body will be sent to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office for examination, and more information is expected to be released later.
