Robert Butler

The Georgia Gazette is actively monitoring this case. Check back for the latest updates as more information becomes available.

Name:
Butler, Robert Lee

Date of Booking:
03/21/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
CRIMINAL TRESPASS – FAMILY VIOLENCE – M

DISORDERLY CONDUCT – M

Public Drunkenness – 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 21st, 2026, at approximately 2000 hours, I was on uniformed patrol in my marked patrol unit when I responded to an Unwanted Person at [1500 BLOCK] New Castle St. I arrived on scene with my badge displayed and met with our reporting party, Ms. [WITNESS #1].

Ms. [WITNESS #1] called to report that a black male, later identified as Mr. Robert Butler, was drunk and causing problems at she and her brothers house. Ms. [WITNESS #1] and her brother, Mr. [REDACTED] asked to have Mr. Butler banned from the property at [1500 BLOCK] New Castle St.

As I finalized my interview with Ms. [WITNESS #1], I then interviewed Mr. Butler. I could smell a distinct odor of alcohol coming off of Mr. Butlers person. Mr. Butler was also slurring his speech and repeating himself as we spoke. I explained to Mr. Butler that he was no longer allowed on the property, located at [1500 BLOCK] New Castle St., Mr. Butler stated that he understood and that he didn’t want to return anyway. Mr. Butlers mood started to change at this point, and he started to become verbally combative.

I read Mr. Butler the ban form, verbatim, to which he responded by saying he understood. I then had Mr. Butler sign the ban form before verbally instructing him to leave. Mr. Butler signed the ban form, but continued to try and argue his personal thoughts on the reporting party. I gave Mr. Butler a final warning, verbally instructing him (again) to leave the property. Mr. Butler then left the property, on foot, and started to walk eastbound down New Castle St towards Augusta Ave.

At roughly 2015 hours, I was dispatched back to [1500 BLOCK] New Castle St. For a Trespassing call. I immediately turned my patrol unit around and headed back to the property. As I arrived, Mr. Butler was standing in the front yard. Mr. Butler approached my patrol vehicle as I pulled up to the residence, stating that he needed to get inside to get more of his things. I exited my patrol vehicle and instructed Mr. Butler to turn around and place his hands behind his back. I placed Mr. Butler under arrest.

While in custody, Mr. Butler became increasingly more hostile; Mr. Butler was shouting and continuously disregarding commands to stay still while being searched. I performed a search incident to arrest on Mr. Butler and placed him in the back of my patrol unit. While in my patrol unit, Mr. Butler unbuckled his seatbelt so he could kick the inside of the patrol unit door. I opened the door to re buckle Mr. Butler, who continued to be disorderly.

Mr. Butler then refused to move his leg so I could shut the door of the patrol unit. I moved his leg several times, calmly telling him that he needed to keep both his legs inside so I could shut the door safely, preventing injury to him. Mr. Butler continued to ignore verbal commands, and I was forced to hold his leg inside of the patrol unit while securing the door.

Mr. Butler was charged with Criminal Trespass (OCGA 16-7-21), Disorderly Conduct (16-11-39), and Public Drunkenness (OCGA 16-11-41).

I transported Mr. Butler to Chatham County Detention Center without incident.

[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:

3/21/26

ROBERT LEE BUTLER ARRESTED ON THREE MISDEMEANOR CHARGES

What this means: Robert Lee Butler was arrested on March 21, 2026, at 8:15 PM and brought before Chatham County Recorder’s Court. He is accused of criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, and public drunkenness — all misdemeanor-level offenses. At his first appearance, Butler entered a not guilty plea. A bond was set at $2,500.

3/30/26

DEFENSE ATTORNEY FILES NOTICE OF APPEARANCE — TINA M. HESSE APPOINTED AS COUNSEL

What this means: On March 30, 2026, attorney Tina M. Hesse of the Chatham County Misdemeanor Defense Office formally entered the case as appointed counsel for Robert Lee Butler in case number RCCR26-06393. This means Butler qualified for a court-appointed public defender rather than hiring a private attorney. All future court filings and communications in this case are to be directed to Hesse’s office at 222 W. Oglethorpe Ave., Suite 437, Savannah, GA.

4/2/26

DOCKET HEARING HELD — CASE DISPOSED ON ALL THREE COUNTS

What this means: On April 2, 2026, Robert Lee Butler’s case (RCCR26-06393) was called before Chatham County Recorder’s Court and resolved on all three charges. On the criminal trespass count (O.C.G.A. § 16-7-21), Butler entered a guilty plea. The remaining two charges — disorderly conduct (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-39) and public drunkenness (O.C.G.A. § 16-11-41) — were dismissed by the prosecution through a nolle prosequi, meaning the state chose not to pursue those counts further. On the criminal trespass conviction, Butler received a 12-month sentence, with the balance suspended on the condition that he have no new arrests and that he comply with a stay-away order.