Michael Chism

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

Name:
Chism, Michael Edward

Date of Booking:
03/10/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
ROBBERY

THEFT BY TAKING – FELONY

CRIMINAL TRESPASS

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

THEFT BY TAKING – MISDEMEANOR

THEFT BY TAKING – MISDEMEANOR

WILLFUL OBSTRUCTION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS BY USE OF THREATS OR VIOLENCE – 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 March 5, 2026, I responded to [100 BLOCK] Middleton Rd. in reference to a reported domestic disturbance. The call was initially received from a third-party caller who believed that a physical altercation had occurred at the residence. It was later determined that the victim, identified as Mr. [VICTIM #1], had gone to a nearby neighbor’s residence and requested ECSO.

Upon arrival, I made contact with Mr. [VICTIM #1], who appeared disoriented but was conscious and able to provide a brief statement regarding the incident. I immediately observed multiple visible injuries on Mr. [VICTIM #1], as well as blood present on his clothing, on the living room floor, and at the end of a bed where his mother, identified as Ms. [WITNESS #1], was laying.

Mr. [VICTIM #1]’s right eye appeared swollen and bloodshot. I also observed visible red and dark color bruising on multiple areas of his face and head. Mr. [VICTIM #1]’s left eye was swollen with dark discoloration consistent with bruising on his forehead and left cheekbone. Additionally, Mr. [VICTIM #1]’s left ear lobe appeared to have been split and was actively bleeding at the time of my observation.

While inside the residence, I also observed other signs of a disturbance in the living room area. A television appeared to be broken and multiple glass figurines were observed shattered on the living room floor.

Mr. [VICTIM #1] advised that he is unsure what started the fight and that prior to the incident he had been in the living room watching television with his mother, Ms. [WITNESS #1], and his nephew, identified as Mr. Michael Chism. Mr. [VICTIM #1] stated that his dog began barking and started playing with him.

At that time, Mr. Chism began physically assaulting him by punching him. Mr. [VICTIM #1] further stated that he does not recall the events that occurred immediately afterward. He advised that when he regained awareness, he was laying on the living room floor.

I also made contact with Ms. [WITNESS #1], who stated she witnessed the altercation. Ms. [WITNESS #1] advised that she previously suffered a stroke and is unable to move independently, and therefore remains mostly bedridden. Her bed is located in the living room area of the residence.

Ms. [WITNESS #1] stated that when the dog began barking that’s when [VICTIM #1] started playing with the dog, when Mr. Chism suddenly attacked Mr. [VICTIM #1] without provocation. Ms. [WITNESS #1] stated she attempted to intervene by yelling for Michael to stop, but due to her physical condition, she was unable to physically intervene.

Ms. [WITNESS #1] further stated that following the incident, Mr. Chism took her cell phone and Mr. [VICTIM #1]’s cell phone prior to leaving the residence. She also informed that Mr. Chism removed Mr. [VICTIM #1]’s wallet from his pocket and took approximately $40 in cash that had been on Mr. [VICTIM #1]’s person.

Mr. Chism was not present at the residence upon my arrival. During the course of the investigation, it was also discovered that while Mr. [VICTIM #1] was on the floor, Mr. Chism took the keys to Mr. [VICTIM #1]’s vehicle and left the scene. The vehicle is described as a gray 2017 Ford F-150. Mr. [VICTIM #1] and Ms. [WITNESS #1] were unable to provide me with a tag number for the vehicle, and had no access at the time to [VICTIM #1]’s insurance to obtain any information due to not having their phones.

With the information that was provided, I attempted to locate the vehicle through our Flock system in an attempt to locate the vehicle in the county. Based on the search I was unable to locate the vehicle, therefor I believed that Michael may have still been in an area inside the county at the time.

Mr. [VICTIM #1] was transported to Effingham Hospital for medical treatment. While [VICTIM #1] was in route to the hospital, he remembered that he had a gun in the driver side door of his vehicle. He had informed EMS personnel of this information that was relayed to me as well (black PSA Dagger 9mm).

Due to [VICTIM #1] being transported, Deputy Durden conducted a follow-up at the hospital to obtain photographs of [VICTIM #1]’s injuries. Photographs of Mr. [VICTIM #1]’s injuries were taken and will be uploaded to this report as a supplemental attachment. Additional photos of the property damage were also taken.

Both parties were provided with a CRN number and advised on how to obtain a copy of this report.

[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:

3/16/26

DEFENSE FILES MOTION FOR BOND AND PRELIMINARY HEARING

What this means: Michael Edward Chism’s defense attorney — from the Office of the Public Defender, Ogeechee Judicial Circuit — filed a formal request asking the Effingham County Superior Court to set a bond and hold a preliminary hearing. This motion applies to both of Chism’s open cases: SUWR2026000087 and SUWR2026000088. A bond hearing gives a judge the chance to decide whether Chism can be released from custody before trial, and if so, under what conditions. A preliminary hearing is a separate proceeding where a judge reviews whether there is enough evidence to move the case forward.

---

3/16/26

RULE NISI ISSUED BY JUDGE MULDREW

What this means: Judge Michael T. Muldrew of the Effingham Superior Court, Ogeechee Judicial Circuit, issued a Rule Nisi — a court order directing the State of Georgia to appear and show cause why the defense’s motion for bond and a preliminary hearing should not be granted. The order was filed in the Effingham County Judicial Complex in Springfield, Georgia, and a copy was directed to be served on the District Attorney. This is a standard procedural step that puts the hearing officially on the court’s calendar.

---

4/2/26

BOND AND PRELIMINARY HEARING SCHEDULED

What this means: A criminal motion calendar hearing on the bond and preliminary hearing request was scheduled for 9:00 a.m. at the Effingham County Judicial Complex in Springfield, Georgia. This is the court date set in response to the Rule Nisi issued by Judge Muldrew. At this hearing, the court would consider whether Michael Edward Chism should be released on bond while his cases — SUWR2026000087 and SUWR2026000088 — move forward. Chism is accused of aggravated assault, robbery, theft by taking (felony), theft by taking (two misdemeanor counts), criminal trespass, and willful obstruction of law enforcement officers by use of threats or violence (felony).