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:
Cater, Althea Denise
Date of Booking:
07/30/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
BATTERY-FAMILY VIOLENCE (1ST OFFENSE) MISDEMEANOR
CRUELTY TO CHILDREN – 1ST DEGREE
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 07/30/2026 I, Deputy Wright #9269 received a call for service by phone. The caller stated her 15 year old son ran away from her residence.
I located the juvenile and noticed bruising on the child. Deputy Hollie #9221 transported the juvenile back to the residence. I made contact with the Georgia Department of Family And Children Services and made a mandatory report. After my investigation was completed, I determined the mother was the primary aggresser and placed the mother under arrest for cruelty to children 2nd degree and battery family violence act. The children’s grandmother took custody of the children.
[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:
7/31/26
FIRST APPEARANCE HEARING HELD IN NEWTON COUNTY MAGISTRATE COURT
What this means: Althea Denise Cater appeared before a Newton County Magistrate Court judge for her first appearance hearing on July 31, 2026, under case number 26-2223FW-2224MW. At a first appearance, a judge informs the defendant of the charges against them, advises them of their rights — including the right to an attorney — and makes an initial decision about bond. The court found that Cater had been advised of her rights and set the matter on a calendar for appointment of counsel. The court determined bond was appropriate and set a total bond of $6,500, made up of $5,000 on the Cruelty to Children — 1st Degree charge and $1,500 on the Battery — Family Violence charge.
7/31/26
BOND POSTED — ALTHEA DENISE CATER RELEASED ON SURETY BOND
What this means: A bond form filed with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office shows that Althea Denise Cater posted a surety bond through A&J Bail Bonding on July 31, 2026. The total bond amount was $7,350, with a face value of $6,500 and applicable fees. The bond was approved by Sheriff Ezell Brown. By posting this bond, Cater was released from custody with the obligation to appear at Newton Superior Court for all future proceedings on the Cruelty to Children — 1st Degree charge. Failure to appear would result in forfeiture of the bond and potential re-arrest.
8/3/26
ALTHEA DENISE CATER FOUND INELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC DEFENDER
What this means: On August 3, 2026, the Newton County Indigent Defense Program notified Althea Denise Cater in writing that she does not qualify for a court-appointed attorney on her charges of Battery — Family Violence and Cruelty to Children — 1st Degree. The reason was income — she was determined to have sufficient income to afford her own attorney. Because she was found ineligible, Cater will need to hire private legal counsel to represent her in this case.