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Name:
Mann, Johnathan Jerrell
Date of Booking:
03/07/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
WILLFUL OBSTRUCTION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS BY USE OF THREATS OR VIOLENCE – F
TERRORISTIC THREATS AND ACTS – F
TERRORISTIC THREATS AND ACTS – F
DISORDERLY CONDUCT – M
SIMPLE ASSAULT – PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM EMPLOYEE – 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 March 7, 2026, I OFC Ashley (#250) was dispatched to 403 US HIGHWAY 80 (Dollar Tree) in reference to a male yelling, cussing and showing a gun to other shoppers inside the Dollar Tree. CAD notes indicated the caller stated it was a Black male and was currently by register #3 inside the business.
Upon arrival, A black male, later identified as Johnathan Mann (DOB: [REDACTED] OLN: GA-[REDACTED]), was standing just outside the business. Myself and other officers on scene detained the male for further investigation. I observed the male had what appeared to be a black in color firearm inside his waist band. It was safely removed from his person and the male stated “what I did” after the firearm was removed from him. The male then stated “You can’t take me to jail for no BB Gun”.
The male was agitated and aggressive by actively attempting to pull away while being detained. The male was then escorted to the patrol vehicle and while walking to the patrol vehicle the male while still pulling away was bowing up his sholders and ars while he stated “Kill em, kill em, they fixing to kill you”. Once at the patrol vehicle the male then began to pull away again while screaming come at me, before being restrained by the patrol vehicle in an attempt to gain positive control over the male before he was placed into the back seat of the patrol vehicle.
After making contact with the manager of the Dollar Tree, the manager asked for Mann to be trespassed from the property. It was then explained to Mann that under OCGA 16-7-21(b)(3), a person commits Criminal Trespass when they remain on property after receiving notice from the owner, authorized representative, or a law enforcement officer acting on their behalf to depart.
As the manager was an authorized representative of the business and had requested that he leave and not return, the male was formally issued a Criminal Trespass Warning.
Victim Interview:
Contact with the female, later identified as [VICTIM #1] (DOB: [REDACTED] OLN:GA- [REDACTED]) [VICTIM #1] stated that she could not understand Mann due to there being a language barrier. She did state that the black male walked up to her and was overly aggressive with her. Shouting at her, aprroaching her in a threating manner with his hands up. While there were other people around, he focused only on her and did not keep his eyes off her.
She stated she did understand the male stated “f*ck you” a couple times towards her due to her limited English. She did state she believes she was unharmed due to the store manager intervening and seperating Mann from her. She specifically mentioned she feared for her life due to Mann’s actions of lifting his shirt and seeing the, what she believed to be, gun.
Complainant Interview:
Contact with the manager of the business, identified as [WITNESS #1] (DOB: [REDACTED] OLN:GA- [REDACTED]). [WITNESS #1] stated he did hear the male say “Ima f*ck you up”, “stop looking at me”. He also stated that the male did raise his shirt and show the gun while he was being aggressive and said he believed that the male was looking for a fight or looking for a reason to pull the gun. The manager also stated that he would like to have the male trespassed from the Dollar Tree. [WITNESS #1] also mentioned that Mann’s focus was on [VICTIM #1] even though there were multiple customers.
There were also two other witnesses on scene who requested to remain anonymous, but both stated that they saw everything and that the male was being very aggressive towards [VICTIM #1] and believed she was in danger.
Transport/Booking:
While transporting Mann to Chatham County Detention Center he made multiple spontaneous utterances stating “If yall didn’t have that badge on we would go under this bridge and I would break your sh*t”, “I didn’t point a gun at nobody”,”Im still going to jail but yall still going to die, nothing you can do about that, your badge can’t save you from that”, “if you didn’t see the video then why aint I get arrested for what the f*ck you called bout” and “You not even going to make it out this parking lot boy”
Once I arrived at Chatham County Detention Center Mann made more spontaneous utterances during the booking process, he stated “parking lot don’t let them make it out”, “Why ain’t I charged with flashing the gun then, since the gun fake” and “I never pulled the gun all I did was pull up my shirt.”
Charges:
Mann was charged with the following:
Obstruction of Law Enforcement – (O.C.G.A. 16-10-24(B)
Terroristic Threats X2 – (O.C.G.A. 16-11-37)
Disorderly Conduct – (O.C.G.A. 16-11-39)
Simple Assault – (O.C.G.A. 16-5-20)
Mann was transported to Chatham County Detention Center without incident, where he was booked pending arraignment.
All pictures have been attached to the case, an email was sent to arraignments advising of the case.
[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:
3/7/26
JOHNATHAN JERRELL MANN BOOKED INTO CUSTODY
What this means: Johnathan Jerrell Mann was booked on March 7, 2026, in Chatham County. At the time of booking, Mann was facing charges of willful obstruction of a law enforcement officer by use of threats or violence (a felony), two counts of terroristic threats and acts (felonies), disorderly conduct (a misdemeanor), and simple assault on a public school system employee (a misdemeanor). Booking is the administrative process of formally recording an arrest — it does not mean guilt has been established.
3/16/26
DEFENSE ATTORNEY ENTERS APPEARANCE FOR JOHNATHAN JERRELL MANN
What this means: On March 16, 2026, attorney Abby Wainright of the Chatham County Public Defender’s Office formally filed paperwork with the Superior Court of Chatham County notifying the court that she would be representing Johnathan Jerrell Mann in case number SPCR26-00725-J1. This is a standard step that officially puts the defense attorney on record with the court.
6/3/26
GRAND JURY RETURNS INDICTMENT — 3 COUNTS FILED AGAINST JOHNATHAN JERRELL MANN
What this means: A Chatham County grand jury voted to formally indict Johnathan Jerrell Mann on three counts during the June Term 2026 of the Superior Court of Chatham County. The indictment, case number SPCR26-00725-J1, was signed by District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones and Assistant District Attorney Richard Harrison of the Eastern Judicial Circuit. All three counts relate to an incident alleged to have occurred on or about March 7, 2026.
Count 1 charges Johnathan Jerrell Mann with Obstruction of an Officer under O.C.G.A. § 16-10-24(b) — a felony. Mann is accused of knowingly and willfully resisting a Garden City Police Department officer who was performing his lawful duties.
Count 2 charges Johnathan Jerrell Mann with Simple Assault under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-20 — a misdemeanor. Mann is accused of committing an act that allegedly placed a witness in reasonable apprehension of immediately receiving a violent injury by displaying a firearm in an aggressive manner.
Count 3 charges Johnathan Jerrell Mann with Disorderly Conduct under O.C.G.A. § 16-11-39 — a misdemeanor. Mann is accused of using abusive language — specifically words described in the indictment as “fighting words” — toward a witness without provocation.
An indictment means a grand jury found probable cause to believe these offenses were committed. It is not a finding of guilt.
6/4/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION TO RESERVE RIGHT TO FILE ADDITIONAL MOTIONS
What this means: On June 4, 2026, defense attorney Abby Wainright filed a motion in the Superior Court of Chatham County asking the court to preserve Johnathan Jerrell Mann’s right to file additional legal motions later in the case if needed. The filing notes that discovery — the process by which the defense receives evidence from the prosecution — is still ongoing and incomplete. The defense also requested that all future hearings be recorded by a certified court reporter.
6/4/26
DEFENDANT ELECTS TO PROCEED UNDER GEORGIA’S FELONY DISCOVERY STATUTE
What this means: Also on June 4, 2026, defense attorney Abby Wainright filed a formal notice on behalf of Johnathan Jerrell Mann electing to use Georgia’s felony discovery process under O.C.G.A. § 17-16-1. Because Mann is facing at least one felony charge, this election triggers a structured exchange of evidence between the prosecution and the defense. It means both sides are required to share certain information — such as witness lists and evidence — before trial.
6/4/26
JUDGE ISSUES ORDER ON SCHEDULING AND DISCOVERY
What this means: On June 4, 2026, Superior Court Judge Benjamin W. Karpf issued an Order on Scheduling and Discovery in the case of Johnathan Jerrell Mann, case number SPCR26-00725-J1. The order formally applies the court’s standing rules for discovery and pretrial scheduling — both dated May 22, 2025 — to this case. This means both the prosecution and defense are required to follow those established procedures as the case moves forward.
6/9/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION FOR BOND REDUCTION FOR JOHNATHAN JERRELL MANN
What this means: On June 9, 2026, defense attorney Abby Wainright of the Chatham County Public Defender’s Office filed a Motion for Bond Reduction in the Superior Court of Chatham County on behalf of Johnathan Jerrell Mann, case number SPCR26-00725-J1. The motion asks Judge Benjamin W. Karpf to lower Mann’s bond from the original amount of $10,000, which was set at the time of his March 7, 2026 arrest. The defense argues that Mann has been determined indigent — meaning the court found he lacks the financial means to afford his own attorney — and has been unable to post the $10,000 bond. The motion further argues that Mann poses no significant flight risk, no risk of intimidating witnesses, and no risk of committing additional offenses while awaiting trial.
6/16/26
BOND HEARING HELD FOR JOHNATHAN JERRELL MANN
What this means: A bond hearing was held on June 16, 2026, in the Superior Court of Chatham County for Johnathan Jerrell Mann in case number SPCR26-00725-J1. At a bond hearing, the court considers whether the defendant should be released from custody before trial and, if so, under what conditions. The judge reviews factors such as the severity of the charges, the defendant’s ties to the community, criminal history, and flight risk.
6/16/26
BOND SET AT $1,500 FOR JOHNATHAN JERRELL MANN
What this means: Following the bond hearing, the court set Johnathan Jerrell Mann’s bond at $1,500. This means Mann can be released from custody if he or someone on his behalf pays $1,500 to the court. Bond is a financial condition designed to ensure the defendant returns for future court appearances. The specific amount reflects the court’s assessment of the charges and Mann’s circumstances.
6/16/26
JUDGE KARPF ISSUES BOND ORDER FOR JOHNATHAN JERRELL MANN
What this means: On June 16, 2026, Judge Benjamin W. Karpf of the Superior Court of Chatham County issued a Bond Order in case number SPCR26-00725-J1, releasing Johnathan Jerrell Mann on bail in the amount of $1,500. The court noted this is a bail-restricted offense and that the State opposed the bond. The order includes both standard and additional conditions Mann must follow while released.
Standard conditions include: keeping a current mailing address on file with the Clerk of Court, possessing no firearms or offensive weapons, making no new arrests or violations of law in any jurisdiction, using no illegal drugs or controlled substances unless lawfully prescribed, and appearing for all scheduled court proceedings.
Additional conditions specifically checked by the court include: no contact with the victim and reporting to Gateway Behavioral Health at 2121 E Derenne Ave., Savannah, GA 31406 to submit to a mental health evaluation and comply with any recommended treatment. The order warns that any violation of these conditions may result in the bond being revoked.
8/13/26
ARRAIGNMENT SCHEDULED FOR JOHNATHAN JERRELL MANN
What this means: An arraignment has been scheduled for Johnathan Jerrell Mann on August 13, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in the Superior Court of Chatham County. An arraignment is a formal court hearing where the defendant is officially informed of the charges against them and asked to enter a plea — typically guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This will be one of the next major steps in case number SPCR26-00725-J1.
8/13/26
JOHNATHAN JERRELL MANN ARRAIGNED AND ENTERS NOT GUILTY PLEA
What this means: On August 13, 2026, Johnathan Jerrell Mann appeared for arraignment in the Superior Court of Chatham County, case number SPCR26-00725-J1. At the arraignment, Mann was formally informed of the charges against him — Obstruction of an Officer (felony), Simple Assault (misdemeanor), and Disorderly Conduct (misdemeanor) — and entered a plea of not guilty to all counts. By pleading not guilty, Mann is asserting his innocence and the case will proceed toward trial unless resolved by plea agreement or other disposition.
8/13/26
STATE FILES DISCOVERY DISCLOSURE FOR JOHNATHAN JERRELL MANN
What this means: On August 13, 2026, the prosecution filed a Discovery Disclosure in case number SPCR26-00725-J1. This document provides the defense with evidence and information the State intends to use or has obtained during its investigation. Discovery is the formal process by which both sides exchange evidence before trial, and this filing fulfills part of the State’s obligation to share materials with the defense.
8/14/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION FOR BOND REDUCTION FOR JOHNATHAN JERRELL MANN
What this means: On August 14, 2026, defense attorney Abby Wainright filed another Motion for Bond Reduction on behalf of Johnathan Jerrell Mann in the Superior Court of Chatham County, case number SPCR26-00725-J1. This is a second request to lower Mann’s bond, which is currently set at $1,500. The motion seeks relief based on changed circumstances or additional arguments regarding Mann’s ability to pay and his risk profile.
8/20/26
BOND REDUCTION HEARING SCHEDULED FOR JOHNATHAN JERRELL MANN
What this means: A hearing on Johnathan Jerrell Mann’s Motion for Bond Reduction has been scheduled for August 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the Superior Court of Chatham County. At this hearing, the defense will present arguments and evidence in support of lowering Mann’s bond, and the court will decide whether to grant or deny the motion.
9/25/26
TRIAL DOCKET CALL SCHEDULED FOR JOHNATHAN JERRELL MANN
What this means: A trial docket call has been scheduled for Johnathan Jerrell Mann on September 25, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in the Superior Court of Chatham County, case number SPCR26-00725-J1. A docket call is a brief court appearance where the judge confirms that both the prosecution and defense are ready to proceed to trial, addresses any last-minute motions or issues, and sets a firm trial date if the case has not been resolved. This is typically one of the final steps before trial begins.