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Name:
Truelove, Donald Jason
Date of Booking:
12/06/2024
Reason(s) For Booking:
BATTERY
CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY – 2ND DEGREE
OBSTRUCTING OR HINDERING PERSONS MAKING EMERGENCY TELEPHONE CALL
DISORDERLY CONDUCT
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 12/6/2024,1, Deputy Sheriff Christian Channell of the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office, responded to [70 BLOCK] Sunrise Mountain Ln, Clayton, Ga, in reference to a road rage incident and assault. While en route, dispatch advised that the Dillard Police Department had found a vehicle matching the description and asked if I wanted them to stop it. I advised dispatch to have them stop the vehicle. Upon arrival, I spoke with [VICTIM #1].
I first noticed that [VICTIM #1]’s hair had leaves stuck in it. I then noticed that [VICTIM #1]’s back was also covered in leaves. I took photographs of [VICTIM #1]’s condition. I then asked [VICTIM #1] what happened. [VICTIM #1] explained that she was on her way home and was traveling on Georgia 15 in the right-hand, northbound lane. [VICTIM #1] merged into the left-hand lane to make a left turn onto Black Rock Mountain Parkway. While driving up the road, she noticed a dark Toyota 4Runner following her with a front plate that said: “[REDACTED]” [VICTIM #1] stated that the vehicle was driving aggressively, cutting corners, and crossing the no-passing lines as it followed her. [VICTIM #1] pulled into her driveway, and the 4Runner followed. [VICTIM #1] got out of her car, and the driver of the 4Runner also exited his vehicle and began confronting her.
[VICTIM #1] stated the male was yelling at her, asking why she cut him off. The male then approached her and pushed her down. [VICTIM #1] got up and began walking to her home and telling the man, “Leave my property; I have a gun, I will shoot you.” This is when [VICTIM #1] started recording the incident with her cell phone. When [VICTIM #1] told the male that she had a gun, he stated, “What do you think I have in my God damn bag bi*ch?” and approached her, got approximately less than a foot from her face and stated again “What do you think I have in my bag?” this time screaming it and then pushed her down again. [VICTIM #1]’s phone recorded the second half of the incident. Once [VICTIM #1] was on the ground, the male stomped on her cell phone, shattered it, and then left. This is when [VICTIM #1] called 911. Once I saw the video, I described the male to dispatch. I advised that if the person who Dillard had stopped matched the description, to go ahead and detain the subject.
I left the scene and drove to the Dillard Police Officer’s traffic stop, where Sgt. Cody Sanders of the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office was on the scene. I showed Sgt. Sanders the video and was able to positively identify the male who was detained as the male who assaulted [VICTIM #1]. The male, identified as Donald Truelove, was handcuffed behind his back and at the front of the Dillard Police Officer’s vehicle. I approached Donald and advised him of his Miranda rights. I then asked Donald if he would tell me what happened earlier. Donald asked if he was under arrest, and I told him he was. Donald stated he did not want to talk. It should be noted that Donald was now wearing a tan, Carhartt jacket. A navy blue, Carhartt hoodie was found inside the car that matched the hoodie being worn by the subject seen in the video.
I escorted Donald to the rear passenger compartment of my patrol vehicle, which had been cleared of contraband before his arrest. I then searched Donald incident to arrest, revealing no contraband. I replaced the handcuffs on Donald with my own, checked for fit, and double-locked the handcuffs. I then placed Donald in the rear passenger seat of my patrol car. Donald’s vehicle was then turned over to his passenger after being confirmed as a licensed driver.
I transported Donald to the Rabun County Detention Center, where he was turned over to jail staff without incident. I searched the rear passenger compartment of my patrol vehicle, but no contraband was found.
Donald is charged with OCGA 16-5-23.1 “Battery,” OCGA 16-7-23 “Criminal Damage to Property 2nd Degree,” OCGA 16-10-24.3 “Obstructing or Hindering Persons From Making Emergency Telephone Call,” and OCGA 16-11 -39 “Disorderly Conduct.”
[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:
4/21/25
BOND ORDER- As reflected on the bond paperwork is set at 9,500
What this means: A bond order sets the amount or conditions for release from jail. A cash bond is paid with money, and a property bond uses property instead. Both ensure the person returns to court.
4/21/25
INDICTMENT
What this means: A formal written accusation issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime. It does not determine guilt; it only allows the case to go to trial. Once an indictment is issued, the defendant is officially charged and must respond in court.
8/12/25
ARRAIGNMENT
What this means: Is the first court appearance of a person who has been charged with a crime. At this hearing, the charges are read, and the defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
9/18/25
CALENDAR CALL
What this means: A court session where the judge reviews the schedule of upcoming cases. Attorneys and parties appear to confirm readiness for trial or hearings, set dates, and address any scheduling issues. It helps the court organize cases efficiently.
9/18/25
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE DISCOVERY ACT
What this means: A document that shows the lawyer has given all required evidence to the other side in a criminal case. It proves that both sides followed the rules and shared information before the trial.
10/28/25
INDICTMENT SIGNED
What this means: That a grand jury has officially charged someone with a crime, and the document (the indictment) has been signed by the grand jury foreperson. It is the formal way the government accuses a person of committing a crime, allowing the case to move forward in court.
10/28/25
PETITION TO ENTER FIRST OFFENDER PLEA
What this means: Is a request to the court for a first-time offender to plead guilty but avoid having a criminal record if they follow the court’s rules.
10/28/25
CASE COMPLETED- PLED
What this means: Donald Truelove pled guilty to simple battery and was sentenced to 12 months probation, with the first 10 days in jail. For the second charge, originally criminal damage, they pled to the lesser charge of criminal trespass and received 12 months to run after the first sentence. For the third charge, hindering an emergency call, they pleaded no contest and got 12 months to run at the same time as the first two sentences. They also received credit for 2 days already spent in jail.