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Name:
Cavender, Jimmy Edwin
Date of Booking:
02/06/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
Simple Battery Against Police Officer/LE Dog/ Corrections or Detention Officer
Disorderly Conduct
Pedestrian Must Not Dart in Traffic
Theft by Shoplifting-Misdemeanor
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 February 6th, 2026 at approximately 1356hrs I was traveling East bound on Peeples Valley Road approaching the intersection of Highway 411.
I stopped at the red light. While stopped I observed a white male with red hair (later identifed as Mr. Jimmy Cavender) standing in the median between the number 2 east bound lane of Peeples valley road and the right turn lane to turn Southbound on Highway 411.
When Mr. Cavender initially saw me in my marked patrol vehicle he screamed, “No” very loudly.
I then witness Mr. Cavender rear his right hand back which was holding a can. I later identified the can as a full Mike’s Hard Cider. When Mr. Cavender moved his hand it appeared that he was about to throw the can at the windshield of my patrol vehicle. Mr. Cavender appeared so prepared to throw the can that I tried to figure out a wayof moving out of throwing distance in an attempt to preserve my patrol vehicle’s windshield. I was unable to move due to traffic.
Mr. Cavender then elected not to throw the can at me and began repeating the motion at vehicle’s passing him in the right turn lane.
At this time I informed dispatch that I would be out with Mr. Cavender providing his location, description and activities. I then acivated my emergency equipment (blue lights) and made contact with Mr. Cavender.
As I was making contact with Mr. Cavender dispatch advised that they had received several phone calls about him throwing things at cars. Dispatch further advised that Mr. Cavender’s description matched the shoplifting suspect from the Speedway gas station nearby and Cartersville Police was enroute to investigate.
I approached Mr. Cavender and asked him what was going on. At this time Mr. Cavender set down his jacket, gloves, the Mike’s Hard Cider, and a can of Cheetos Mini. Mr. Cavender then stated that he had stolen the beverage and food from the speedway. At this time I detained Mr. Cavender in handcuffs (ensuring two finger fit and double lock of the handcuffs according to policy.)
I then patted Mr. Cavender down finding no weapons. I then placed Mr. Cavender, the drink, food and Mr. Cavender’s belongings in my patrol vehicle and transported him to the Speedway parking lot.
At Speedway I spoke with several people.
Mrs. [WITNESS #1] stated that Mr. Cavender had entered the store and asked if she knew who a customer was in a Chevy Tahoe out in the parking lot. Mrs. [WITNESS #1] denied knowing the person.
Mrs. [WITNESS #1] stated that Mr. Cavender then asked to stay in the buisness. Mrs. [WITNESS #1] stated she advised Mr. Cavender that she did not have the authority to allow that.
Mrs. [WITNESS #1] stated that Mr. Cavender collected the Drink, Cheetos, and a Blueberry muffin and then walked out of the store without paying. Mrs. [WITNESS #1] stated that when she called out to Mr. Cavender, after he left the store with the merchandise, that he threw the blueberry muffin and a dollar bill back toward the store. Mrs. [WITNESS #1] stated that Mr. Cavender had been harassing customers in the parking lot describing the same behavior I had witnessed earlier in the intersection.
I then spoke with Mrs, [WITNESS #2]. Mrs. [WITNESS #2] stated that she had been restocking the alcohol refrigerators when she was approached by Mr. Cavender. Mrs. [WITNESS #2] stated that Mr. Cavender asked her if he could get a drink for a dollor. Mrs. [WITNESS #2] stated that Mr. Cavender later clarified that he meant an alcoholic beverage for a dollar. Mrs. [WITNESS #2] stated that she advised Mr. Cavender that they did not have any alcoholic beverages for sale for only a dollar. Mrs. [WITNESS #2] stated that Mr. Cavender then grabbed a Mike’s Hard Cider and put it under his coat.
Mrs. [WITNESS #2] stated that Mr. Cavender then moved about the store collecting the Cheetos and the Blue berry Muffin before exiting the store.
I then spoke with Mr. [REDACTED] (the store manager.) Mr. [REDACTED] advised that he did want to press charges for shoplifting on Mr. Cavender. Mr. [REDACTED] attempted to let me review securit camera footage but the footage would not play. Mr. [REDACTED] agreed to upload the video to Polaris through a link I would provide him.
Mr. [REDACTED] provided a receipt for the stolen items showing the total value was $10.09.
Cartersville Police did respond to the scene and assist with the investigation. Due to me having charges in addition to the shoplifting charge I did not turn the case over to them.
I then transported Mr. Cavender to Bartow Count Adult Detention Center (ADC). Mr. Cavender was irrate and ultimately removed to a separate holding area.
I then contacted the oncall magistrate Judge and obtained a warrant for Mr. Cavender’s arrest on the charges of misdemeanor shoplifting and disorderly conduct.
[End of Narrative]
All information is sourced directly from the official, public court database. Case history is organized and curated by The Georgia Gazette staff. The “What this means:” explanations are written by AI and reviewed by our staff before publishing.
Court records are subject to change at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors or omissions. Nothing here is legal advice. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
5/22/26
ACCUSATION FILED — 2 COUNTS AGAINST JIMMY EDWIN CAVENDER
What this means: The Bartow County District Attorney’s Office, under District Attorney Erle J. Newton III of the Cherokee Judicial Circuit, formally filed charges against Jimmy Edwin Cavender in Bartow Superior Court under Case No. SUCR2026000893. The accusation — a formal charging document used in place of a grand jury indictment — lists two counts. Count 1 charges Cavender with Theft by Shoplifting under O.C.G.A. § 16-8-14. Count 2 charges him with Disorderly Conduct under O.C.G.A. § 16-11-39. Cavender is accused of these offenses — no guilt has been determined at this stage.
5/22/26
AMENDED ACCUSATION FILED — 2 COUNTS AGAINST JIMMY EDWIN CAVENDER
What this means: Shortly after the original accusation was filed, prosecutors filed an Amended Accusation in Bartow Superior Court in the same case. The amended filing carries the same two counts — Count 1, Theft by Shoplifting (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-14), and Count 2, Disorderly Conduct (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-39) — and reflects the May Term, 2026 court term. The amendment replaced the original accusation as the operative charging document. Jimmy Edwin Cavender remains accused of these offenses, and no guilt has been established.
7/1/26
JIMMY CAVENDER WAIVES ARRAIGNMENT AND REQUESTS DISCOVERY
What this means: Jimmy Edwin Cavender filed a Waiver of Arraignment and Request for Discovery in Bartow Superior Court. By waiving arraignment, he gave up his right to appear in court for the formal reading of charges and entered a plea of Not Guilty on the record without a hearing. The filing also requests that prosecutors turn over all evidence they plan to use against him — a standard pre-trial step called discovery.
7/6/26
ARRAIGNMENT SCHEDULED FOR 7/6/26 AT 9:00 AM
What this means: An arraignment was scheduled for Jimmy Edwin Cavender in Bartow Superior Court on July 6, 2026, at 9:00 AM. An arraignment is the court appearance where a defendant is formally informed of the charges against them and enters a plea — typically guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
7/8/26
STATE FILES DISCLOSURE CERTIFICATE AND DISCOVERY NOTICES
What this means: The State of Georgia filed its Disclosure Certificate and Notices in response to the discovery request made by Jimmy Edwin Cavender. This is the prosecution’s formal acknowledgment that it is sharing its evidence with the defense, as required under Georgia law. This step is a standard part of the pre-trial process in Bartow Superior Court.
8/10/26
JIMMY CAVENDER PLEADS GUILTY — SENTENCED TO 12 MONTHS PROBATION
What this means: Jimmy Edwin Cavender appeared in Bartow Superior Court and entered a negotiated guilty plea on both counts filed against him under Criminal Action No. 26-893. On Count 1, Theft by Shoplifting, and Count 2, Disorderly Conduct, the court entered a guilty verdict and sentenced Cavender to 12 months on each count, with the counts running concurrent — meaning both sentences run at the same time, not back to back. The total sentence is 12 months, to be served on probation. Cavender receives credit for time already served in custody from February 6, 2026, through August 10, 2026. The sentence is subject to conditions of probation imposed by the court.