Get notified by email when this case is updated.
The Georgia Gazette is actively monitoring this case. Check back for the latest updates as more information becomes available.
Name:
Garnett, Michael Clevon
Date of Booking:
02/14/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
CRIMINAL TRESPASS
DISORDERLY CONDUCT
POSSESSION AND USE OF DRUG RELATED OBJECTS
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 Saturday, February 14, 2026, at approximately 1900 hours, Deputy Levin Tomlinson and I were dispatched to [REDACTED BY AGENCY] in reference to a domestic dispute. Central Dispatch advised that a male and female were arguing and that the female was not answering questions because the male did not know she was calling.
Central further advised that the male had a knife in his hand, was refusing to leave the residence, and had attempted to break a window. Dispatch advised the male’s name was Michael and that he was currently locked outside, attempting to break down the rear door. Dispatch could hear the male screaming in the background.
We arrived on scene at approximately 1915 hours and heard a male voice yelling behind the residence. The male was later identified as Mr. Michael Garnett Jr., who appeared to be highly intoxicated. The complainant, identified as [REDACTED BY AGENCY] stepped out of the back door of the residence, and I made contact with her.
[REDACTED BY AGENCY] stated that Mr. Michael Garnett arrived at her place of employment intoxicated with Juvenile [REDACTED BY AGENCY] and Juvenile [REDACTED BY AGENCY]. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] advised that Mr. Garnett left her place of employment and drove to her residence while still intoxicated, with both juveniles in the vehicle. She stated she was concerned for the juveniles’ safety and left work early.
[REDACTED BY AGENCY] stated that when she arrived at her residence, she told Mr. Garnett to leave. She advised that he grabbed two knives and began stabbing the kitchen counter. She stated that one of the knives slipped and cut his right hand. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] further stated that Mr. Garnett became angry and kicked the living room window. She advised that he grabbed two of his bags and, as he was walking out the rear door, punched the master bedroom door, causing a dent.
[REDACTED BY AGENCY] stated she locked the door behind Mr. Garnett, at which time he began shaking the rear door, causing the entire trailer to shake. She further stated that Mr. Garnett walked down the steps and kicked her vehicle. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] advised that both juveniles were present during the incident and witnessed the entire argument. I did not observe any damage to [REDACTED BY AGENCY] vehicle related to this incident.
I spoke with both juveniles inside the residence. Their statements were consistent with Ms. [REDACTED]’s account of the incident.
I then made contact with Mr. Michael Garnett outside the residence. He stated he was on the phone with 911. Mr. Garnett appeared highly intoxicated and was carrying two bags. He stated he went to [REDACTED BY AGENCY] place of employment and then returned to the residence with both juveniles. He advised that [REDACTED BY AGENCY] told him to leave the residence, and he grabbed his bags and exited through the rear door.
I asked to see Mr. Garnett’s hands and observed a minor laceration that appeared consistent with a knife cut. Mr. Garnett stated he cut himself on a Bud Ice beer can when he crushed it.
I placed Mr. Garnett under arrest. He was handcuffed behind his back, double-locked, and checked for proper fit. Mr. Garnett was searched incident to arrest, and I located drug-related objects, including a black metal grinder and a black digital scale. During the search, Mr. Garnett became argumentative when asked to remove his shoes so I could check his socks and footwear. Deputy Tomlinson assisted by securing Mr. Garnett against the patrol vehicle and lifting each leg so the search could be completed safely.
Deputy Tilley transported Garnett to the Liberty County Jail, where he was turned over to booking staff without incident. Deputy Tilley’s patrol vehicle was searched prior to and after transport, and no contraband was located.
Based on [REDACTED BY AGENCY] statement and the statements provided by both juveniles, Mr. Garnett acted in a violent and tumultuous manner inside the residence during this incident. These actions included stabbing the kitchen counter with two knives, kicking the living room window, and punching the bedroom door, causing damage. Mr. Garnett also used vulgar and profane language in the presence of both juveniles after being warned that such conduct constitutes a violation under the disorderly conduct statute.
I provided [REDACTED BY AGENCY] with a victim’s rights pamphlet, including the case number, and advised her on how to obtain a copy of this report.
I will be submitting warrant applications to the Liberty County Magistrate Court for review for the following offenses against Mr. Michael Garnett: Criminal Trespass – Family Violence, Disorderly Conduct, and Possession of Drug-Related Objects.
[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:
3/4/26
REQUEST FOR DISCOVERY AND NOTICE OF APPEARANCE FILED
What this means: Michael Clevon Garnett’s defense attorney filed paperwork with the Liberty County court requesting access to the prosecution’s evidence and formally announcing they are representing Garnett in this case. This is standard procedure early in a criminal case where the defendant is accused of criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, and possession and use of drug related objects.
3/6/26
SECOND REQUEST FOR DISCOVERY AND NOTICE OF APPEARANCE FILED
What this means: Michael Clevon Garnett’s attorney filed another request for discovery and notice of appearance with the Liberty County court, likely correcting or updating the previous filing from March 4th.
3/13/26
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF BOND ORDERED
What this means: The court in Liberty County imposed specific requirements that Michael Clevon Garnett must follow while released on bond. Based on the bond documents, these conditions include having no contact with victim. Violating these conditions could result in his bond being revoked and him being returned to jail.
3/13/26
FIRST APPEARANCE HEARING ORDER ISSUED
What this means: The Liberty County court issued an order related to Michael Clevon Garnett’s first appearance hearing, which is typically when a defendant first appears before a judge after arrest to be informed of the charges and have bond set. This order likely formalized what occurred during that initial court appearance.
4/28/26
CRIMINAL ARRAIGNMENT SCHEDULED
What this means: Michael Clevon Garnett is scheduled to appear in Liberty County court at 9:00 AM for his arraignment, where he will be formally read the charges against him – criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, and possession and use of drug related objects – and asked to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
4/28/26
ACCUSATION FILED — 3 COUNTS AGAINST MICHAEL CLEVON GARNETT
What this means: The Liberty County State Court formally filed an accusation — a written charging document — against Michael Clevon Garnett during the January Term 2026. The case is numbered 2026-SR-1073 and was filed by prosecutor John Bennett under Solicitor-General Chestley N. Morritt, Jr. The accusation lists three charges: Count 1, criminal trespass; Count 2, disorderly conduct; and Count 3, possession and use of drug related objects. This document is the official record of the charges Garnett is facing in Liberty County State Court.
4/28/26
PRE-TRIAL DIVERSION PROGRAM PENDING
What this means: As of Michael Clevon Garnett’s arraignment on April 28, 2026, the case appears to be moving toward a pre-trial diversion program. Pre-trial diversion is an alternative to traditional prosecution where a defendant agrees to meet certain requirements — such as completing community service, attending classes, or staying out of trouble — in exchange for the charges potentially being dismissed upon successful completion.
4/28/26
SENTENCE ENTERED
What this means: Michael Clevon Garnett’s case in Liberty County was closed out on April 28, 2026, with a disposition of pre-trial diversion program pending. This means the charges against him — criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, and possession and use of drug related objects — are being held in abeyance while Garnett participates in a pre-trial diversion program. If he successfully completes the program requirements, the charges may be dismissed.
8/19/26
STATE COURT TIME TO PAY CALENDAR SCHEDULED
What this means: Michael Clevon Garnett has a time to pay calendar hearing scheduled in Liberty County State Court on August 19, 2026 at 10:30 AM. This hearing will address payment of fees related to his pre-trial diversion program. The court will review what Garnett owes and establish a payment schedule for any program fees, fines, or costs due by this date.
8/19/26
UNSUCCESSFUL TERMINATION OF PRETRIAL
What this means: Michael Clevon Garnett did not successfully complete the terms of the pretrial diversion program in Liberty County case STSR2026001073 and was terminated from the program. This means he is no longer participating in the diversion program and the case will proceed through the regular court process.
8/19/26
BENCH WARRANT ISSUED
What this means: A bench warrant was issued for Michael Clevon Garnett in Liberty County case STSR2026001073. A bench warrant is an order from the judge directing law enforcement to arrest the defendant and bring him before the court.