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Name:
Maxwell, Jesse James
Date of Booking:
03/17/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
Public Drunkenness – M
DISORDERLY CONDUCT – M
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 03/17/2026, I observed Mr. Jesse Maxwell stand up after being instructed to remain seated by a Department of Public Safety officer. The officer had been advised that Mr. Maxwell had attempted to urinate in public twice and was bothering others in the crowd.
I observed Mr. Maxwell stand up from the chair and begin walking toward the crowd. He appeared unable to maintain his balance and began rocking back and forth as he walked. Mr. Maxwell then placed his hand on a woman’s shoulder while standing behind her and speaking to her.
As I instructed Mr. Maxwell to remove his hand from the woman, due her having an unwanted touch. He became verbally combative and began using profanity. Mr. Maxwell was also instructed to stop using profanity due to children being present in the area. As he continued speaking, his head began to rock.
I then contacted ECC to request transport for public drunkenness and disorderly conduct. A Public Safety officer was able to place flex cuffs on Mr. Maxwell. He was searched and escorted to the intersection of Broughton Street and Whitaker Street for transport to the command post on E St. Julian and MLK Jr Blvd.
Upon arrival at the command post, all necessary paperwork was completed. Mr. Maxwell was then transported by another officer to the Chatham County Detention Center.
A case report number was generated.
[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:
03/17/26
ARREST — PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS AND DISORDERLY CONDUCT
What this means: Jesse James Maxwell was arrested at 12:53 PM and booked into custody in Chatham County. He is charged with two misdemeanor offenses: public drunkenness and disorderly conduct, under Georgia Code sections 16-11-41 and 16-11-39. A misdemeanor is a lower-level criminal offense, but it still carries potential penalties including fines and jail time.
03/18/26
FIRST APPEARANCE AND BOND HEARING — CHATHAM COUNTY RECORDER’S COURT
What this means: Jesse James Maxwell appeared before a judge at the Chatham County Recorder’s Court the day after his arrest. This is a standard step where a defendant is formally told what they are charged with and advised of their legal rights. Maxwell entered a not guilty plea and requested a Public Defender to represent him. The judge found probable cause to support the arrest and set bond at $1,000, meaning Maxwell could be released from custody by paying that amount. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for April 7, 2026, at 8:45 AM in Courtroom 1D at 133 Montgomery Street, Savannah, Georgia.
03/23/26
INDIGENT DEFENSE CASE FILE OPENED — PUBLIC DEFENDER ASSIGNED
What this means: The Chatham County Public Defender’s office opened a case file for Jesse James Maxwell under IDU/PD Case Number 2026-470923. The case status was recorded as “Attorney Appointed,” confirming that Maxwell qualified for a court-appointed attorney at no cost to him. Attorney Barbara Foster of the Misdemeanor Defense Office was assigned to represent Maxwell in case RCCR26-06151.
04/03/26
NOTICE OF APPEARANCE FILED — DEFENSE ATTORNEY BARBARA FOSTER
What this means: Attorney Barbara S. Foster formally filed a Notice of Appearance in Chatham County Recorder’s Court, officially entering herself as appointed defense counsel for Jesse James Maxwell in case number RCCR26-06151. This document was e-filed with the Clerk of Chatham Recorder’s Court on April 3, 2026, at 8:55 AM. Going forward, all court communications and legal filings related to Maxwell’s case are to be directed to Foster at the Misdemeanor Defense Office in Savannah.
04/07/26
PRELIMINARY HEARING — CHATHAM COUNTY RECORDER’S COURT
What this means: Jesse James Maxwell was scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing at the Chatham County Recorder’s Court at 8:45 AM in Courtroom 1D. This is the hearing that was set at the time of his first appearance, where the court takes a closer look at the charges against him.
04/14/27
MISDEMEANOR DOCKET HEARING SCHEDULED — 8:45 AM
What this means: A misdemeanor docket hearing has been scheduled for Jesse James Maxwell at 8:45 AM. A docket hearing is a routine court appearance where the judge and attorneys check on the status of the case and determine next steps.