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Name:
Fulton, Dianna Darriel
Date of Booking:
02/13/2025
Reason(s) For Booking:
CRUELTY TO CHILDREN- 3RD DEGREE – 12 Counts
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 12-4-2024 at approximately 0811 hours, I responded to 20 Fairview Commons Dr, Bright Minds Academy, Covington, Newton County, GA. regarding Cruelty to Children. Upon arrival, I made contact with the complainant(s).
[WITNESS #1] (Mother of victim) and [WITNESS #2] (Uncle of victim), stated on the evening of 12-3-2024 they observed fresh scratch marks on the inside bicep area of the left arm of the juvenile victim. Upon Ms. [WITNESS #1] questioning the victim, the victim initially stated another child in his classroom scratched him, then stated his teacher, identified as Dianna Fulton, scratched him.
Ms. [WITNESS #1] stated she began to look over the victim, and noticed older scratch arks on the victims right arm inside bicep area. Ms. [WITNESS #1] further noticed an older bite mark on the victims upper right rear shoulder area near the nape of the neck, older scratches on the victims back, on scratch over the left eye, and a scratch near the victims hairline on the right side of the head. The injuries were photographed by Ms. [WITNESS #1] and sent to me, which I have uploaded to evidence.com.
Investigator Threats, James, and Dunston arrived on scene and interviewed the Director of Bright Minds, identified as [REDACTED], as well as the victims teacher, identified as Dianna Fulton.
[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:
2/18/25
FIRST APPEARANCE
What this means: Dianna Fulton appeared before a Newton County judge for her initial court hearing after being arrested on charges of cruelty to children. This is typically when a defendant first appears in court to be informed of the charges against them and their rights.
2/20/25
BOND SET AT $37,500
What this means: A Newton County judge set Dianna Fulton’s bond at $37,500 for the cruelty to children charges in case SUWA2025000153. This means she can be released from jail if she or someone on her behalf pays this amount as security to ensure she appears for future court proceedings.
3/26/25
RULED INELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC DEFENDER
What this means: The court determined that Dianna Fulton does not qualify for a court-appointed attorney, likely because her income or assets exceed the eligibility requirements for free legal representation. She will need to hire her own attorney or represent herself.
10/21/25
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE BY DEFENSE ATTORNEY CHANELL OWENS
What this means: Attorney Chanell Owens officially entered the case as Dianna Fulton’s defense lawyer in Newton County. This formal filing notifies the court and prosecution that Owens will be representing Fulton going forward.
10/21/25
DEFENSE ATTORNEY FILES LEAVE OF ABSENCE
What this means: Chanell Owens, Dianna Fulton’s defense attorney in Newton County case SUWA2025000153, filed an amended notice requesting extended leave from the practice of law for personal reasons. The leave includes multiple periods from November 7, 2025 through January 2, 2026, which will affect her ability to represent Fulton during those times. The court and opposing counsel have 10 days to object to this request.
4/10/26
GRAND JURY RETURNS INDICTMENT — 2 COUNTS FILED AGAINST DIANNA FULTON
What this means: A Newton County grand jury returned an indictment against Dianna Fulton during the January Term, 2026, under case number 2026CR610. Prosecutor Eric Thrasher and District Attorney Randy McGinley signed the indictment on behalf of the State of Georgia. The indictment contains two counts:
Count 1 — Dianna Fulton is accused of cruelty to children in the first degree.
Count 2 — Dianna Fulton is accused of cruelty to children in the second degree.
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