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Name:
Cullivan, Dorothy Mae
Date of Booking:
01/05/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
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 12/15/2025 at 00:52 hours, I was dispatched to Budget Motel (744 E Oglethorpe HWY) in reference to a domestic in progress. Before arrival, the complainant, Ms Dorothy Cullivan, advised that she was attacked.
Upon arrival, SCPL K Roberts 128 and I made contact with Mr [WITNESS #1]. Mr [WITNESS #1] stated his girlfriend locked him out of their room and would not open the door. Mr [WITNESS #1] was able to show a recording of what occurred.
The footage showed Ms Cullivan yelling at Mr [WITNESS #1] about him leaving her outside, and she grabbed a kitchen knife acting in a violent or tumultuous manner toward Mr [WITNESS #1]’s car by stabbing the tire unsuccessfully. She then went back inside the room and told Mr [WITNESS #1] to get away from her, before calling the police. Mr [WITNESS #1] stated he just wanted to go inside so he could go to bed. Checking the tires, there were no signs of any punctures.
SCPL K Roberts 128 and I made contact with Ms Dorothy Cullivan. Ms Cullivan stated she made Mr [WITNESS #1] stay outside because he left her out walking out in the cold but nothing physical occurred. Ms Cullivan also had a warrant through Liberty County for a probation violation. Ms Cullivan was placed under arrest for disorderly conduct.
Ms Cullivan was placed in handcuffs, which were double locked and checked for fit, both my vehicle and Ms Cullivan were searched with no relevant findings, placed into the back of my patrol vehicle, transported by me to Liberty County Jail, cited for disorderly conduct, and released to jail staff. While driving to the jail, Liberty County Sheriffs advised they would be placing a hold on Ms Cullivan.
[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:
1/5/26
BOND DENIED – DANGER TO PERSON OR COMMUNITY
What this means: Judge Michael E. Silverman of the Liberty County Magistrate Court ordered that Dorothy Mae Cullivan be held in jail without bond after her arrest for aggravated assault. The judge determined she posed a danger to persons or the community, which is one of the legal reasons to deny bond in Georgia. Cullivan was ordered held in the Liberty County jail until her case was resolved. This type of bond denial is serious and indicates the court viewed the charges as particularly concerning for public safety.
2/2/26
ACCUSATION FILED
What this means: Dorothy Mae Cullivan was formally charged with aggravated assault (felony) in Liberty County Superior Court case number 2026-R-044. According to the accusation, Cullivan is accused of making an assault on Derrek Patton with a deadly weapon (a gravestone knife) on or about January 5, 2026, allegedly swinging the knife and causing a laceration injury to Patton’s left shoulder. The case was filed by District Attorney Billy J. Nelson, Jr. of the Atlantic Judicial Circuit and lists multiple witnesses from the Hinesville Police Department.
2/2/26
PLEA AND SENTENCE RECOMMENDATION FILED
What this means: Dorothy Mae Cullivan and the District Attorney’s office submitted a negotiated plea agreement to the court. The agreement shows Cullivan would plead guilty to aggravated assault (a felony) in exchange for a sentence of 10 years’ probation with a $1,000 fine. The plea document includes extensive conditions of probation including mental health supervision, domestic violence classes, anger management, no contact with victim Derrek Patton, and various other restrictions. This represents a plea deal that avoids prison time in favor of supervised probation.
2/2/26
GUILTY PLEA ENTERED
What this means: Dorothy Mae Cullivan formally entered her guilty plea to the aggravated assault charge before the court. By pleading guilty, she admitted to the crime and waived her right to trial. The court accepted her plea, meaning she is now convicted of the felony charge. This plea was part of the negotiated agreement with prosecutors.