Melynda McInnis

Name:
McInnis, Melynda Sue

Date of Booking:
12/15/2025

Reason(s) For Booking:
Simple Battery-Family Violence

Violation of Family Violence Order

Criminal Trespass (Family Violence) – Damage of $500 or less

Disorderly Conduct

Willful Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers-Felony

Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]

On December 15, 2025, at approximately 1831 hours, I, Officer Foster 513, was dispatched to the listed location in reference to a 911 hang up. I responded routine with the flow of traffic. Upon arrival, I met with the caller, [REDACTED BY AGENCY] and he advised that his ex-wife, later identified as Melynda Mcinnis, was “acting crazy” again. He stated that she had assaulted him in the midst of an argument and had it on video.

I went and spoke with Melynda and she advised that she was the one that was abused earlier this morning by the man outside whom she claimed not to know. She then kept repeating that she wanted her lawyer because she did not like me nor did she want to talk to me. I then went back outside the residence to speak with [REDACTED BY AGENCY]. He showed the video of her smacking him and hitting the phone out of his hand, causing damage to the phone. He stated that he is tired of this constantly happening and that he was unsure of his safety around her.

I then went inside the residence to arrest Melynda. I advised her that she was under arrest and she began to resist commands and she began to resist while I attempted to place her in handcuffs. She was placed at taser point for a brief second before I holstered it back up and went to her to put her in handcuffs. There was a brief struggle, but she was placed in handcuffs to the rear which were double locked and checked for proper fit. I then escorted her to Officer Hambrick’s patrol car.

In the midst of speaking to her in the back of the patrol car, she began to threaten myself and my family while kicking me in the knee. She landed a kick while screaming “death be upon you” and “suck a f*cking di*k, n***er” while neighbors were outside. I advised her of all charges listed above and Ofc. Hambrick transported her to the Barrow County Detention Center.

I then returned to service without incident.

[End of Narrative]

The information below reflects all details available at the time of publication and was obtained directly from the official court database accessible to the public. Court records are subject to change at any time at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors, omissions, or discrepancies within the docket. No information provided should be construed as legal advice or opinion. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Case History:

12/16/25

ORIGINAL WARRANT FILED

What this means: Melynda Sue McInnis was arrested on December 15, 2025, and the original warrant for her arrest was officially filed with the Barrow County Superior Court clerk’s office. The warrant stems from allegations that she obstructed a police officer in his official duties by kicking him, committed simple battery-family violence, criminally trespassed, and used disorderly conduct language. This filing starts the formal criminal case process in Barrow County Superior Court case number 26CR046-G.

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01/29/26

ORDER FOR COMPETENCY EVALUATION

What this means: After a hearing where Melynda Sue McInnis’s defense counsel raised questions about her competency to stand trial, Judge Sarah ordered that the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities conduct an evaluation of McInnis’s mental competency. This evaluation will determine whether McInnis understands the charges against her and can assist in her own defense. Until this evaluation is complete, the criminal proceedings are typically put on hold.

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02/05/26

INDICTMENT RETURNED BY GRAND JURY

What this means: A Barrow County grand jury formally indicted Melynda Sue McInnis on four felony and misdemeanor charges. Count 1 charges her with obstruction of an officer. Count 2 charges simple battery-family violence. Count 3 charges criminal trespass. Count 4 charges disorderly conduct for allegedly using profane and abusive language. The case is signed by District Attorney J. Bradley Smith.

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02/26/26

CONSOLIDATED MOTIONS AND DEMANDS FILED

What this means: Melynda Sue McInnis’s defense attorney filed multiple pre-trial motions with the Barrow County Superior Court in case 26CR046-G. The defense is requesting that the prosecution provide all discoverable materials, witness information, and evidence that could help McInnis’s case. The motions also seek disclosure of any evidence of independent offenses or wrongdoing that the prosecution might try to introduce at trial, and request inspection of physical evidence. These are standard defense requests to ensure a fair trial.

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02/26/26

WAIVER OF ARRAIGNMENT FILED

What this means: Melynda Sue McInnis, through her attorney Mary Peppers, waived her right to appear in court for a formal arraignment hearing and entered a plea of not guilty to all charges in case 26CR046-G. This means she chose to skip the arraignment process where charges would be read aloud in court and instead submitted her not guilty plea in writing. This is a common practice that saves court time while preserving the defendant’s right to contest the charges.

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03/03/26

STATE’S RESPONSE TO DISCOVERY ELECTION FILED

What this means: The prosecution, led by Assistant District Attorney Hannah McLear, responded to Melynda Sue McInnis’s election to proceed under Georgia’s discovery rules. The state agreed to provide electronic discovery including copies of the indictment, defendant’s criminal history, witness lists, and plea recommendations. They will make available for inspection various evidence including defendant statements, witness statements, physical examination reports, scientific test reports, and other materials in their possession. This establishes the framework for how evidence will be shared between both sides before trial.