Mathew Robertson

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Name:
Robertson, Mathew Duane

Date of Booking:
01/27/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

BATTERY – FAMILY VIOLENCE (1ST OFFENSE) MISD

CRUELTY TO CHILDREN IN THE 3RD DEGREE 1ST OR 2ND OFFENSE

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 January 27, 2026, at approximately 1529, I, Sgt. Dills and D/S J. McDaniel responded to [REDACTED BY AGENCY] Dovie Lane in reference to a physical domestic. While en route, dispatch advised that the female was at the post office, approximately 0.2 miles from the address.

I made contact with the female, later identified as [VICTIM #1]. Upon Contact with [VICTIM #1], I asked if she needed EMS. She replied that she was okay. [VICTIM #1] then stated that her husband, later identified as Matthew Robertson, had pushed her down. When speaking with [VICTIM #1], I observed red marks on both sides of her face and across her neck. There was also a small yellow in color bruise on the right side of [VICTIM #1]’s neck. [VICTIM #1]’s clothes were smudged with mud. [VICTIM #1] stated that Matthew had slammed her into the bathroom door, breaking the door. [VICTIM #1] stated that Matthew does have a history of Domestic violence with former partners, as well as with her.

I asked [VICTIM #1] what had started the argument today. [VICTIM #1] stated that 4 days ago, a cheating allegation had come to light in the relationship and that they were trying to work through it. [VICTIM #1] stated that Matthew then starts drinking and will just continue bringing up the allegation. [VICTIM #1] stated that Matthew could not find his wallet, so Matthew started blaming her, stating she had stolen his wallet. [VICTIM #1] stated that it just escalated from that point. [VICTIM #1] stated that Matthew then cornered her, and that she could not get him off of her after telling him to get off. [VICTIM #1] stated that Matthew then threw her down and started hitting her.

[VICTIM #1] stated that she thought he was going to stop, but instead, he grabbed her again, this time in front of [REDACTED BY AGENCY] Matthew’s 8-year-old son. [VICTIM #1] stated that she then sprayed him with mace. [VICTIM #1] stated that the mace just p*ssed him off. [VICTIM #1] stated that Matthew then threw her on the ground and kicked her a couple of times. [VICTIM #1] stated after that she attempted to leave, but Matthew chased her down the road. [VICTIM #1] stated that after he chased her, he choked her using his forearm to the point that she could not breathe. [VICTIM #1] stated that she is not sure how long she was choked, just that he choked her to the point she thought she was going to pass out.

I then went and relocated to [REDACTED BY AGENCY] Dovie Lane to speak with Matthew. Matthew stated that his wife has been cheating on him with someone from the restaurant. Matthew stated that he was trying to get his keys to leave, but [VICTIM #1] told him he couldn’t. Matthew then stated that [VICTIM #1] then maced him when he tried to get his keys. Matthew stated that [VICTIM #1] then reentered the residence and sprayed [REDACTED BY AGENCY] with Mace as well. Matthew stated that he just wanted to get away from the cheating. I observed redness on Matthew’s face surrounding his eyes, as well as some scratches on his left arm. I observed the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Matthew as he spoke. Matthew stated that nothing else occurred.

Matthew stated that he does not know how [VICTIM #1] obtained the marks on her person. I asked Matthew if he would be willing to write a witness statement. He replied yes, but then stated that he did not want to fill out a witness statement form. Matthew was then placed under arrest, cuffed behind his back, cuffs checked for fit, and double locked. Matthew was placed in the backseat of my patrol vehicle that had been searched and cleared of any contraband prior to transport.

Matthew stated that [VICTIM #1] had taken his phone. Matthew stated that [REDACTED] is [REDACTED BY AGENCY]’s birth mother but lives in Asheville, North Carolina. Matthew stated that he did not know [REDACTED]’s phone number. Matthew stated that he did not want to leave [REDACTED BY AGENCY] in [VICTIM #1]’s custody and elected to have the Department of Family and Child Services called to the scene to take him. [VICTIM #1] was able to provide [REDACTED]’s phone number. I attempted to contact [REDACTED] via phone, but no contact was made; the calls went straight to voicemail.

I then relocated inside the residence to check on [REDACTED BY AGENCY]. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] stated that he was okay. I asked [REDACTED BY AGENCY] if he had seen the incident. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] stated some of it. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] stated that he was woken up from a nap by the sound of [VICTIM #1] and Matthew fighting.

[REDACTED BY AGENCY] stated that he had gotten pepper spray in his eyes. I asked [REDACTED BY AGENCY] if it was done on purpose. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] stated that he did not know. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] stated that it was all in the kitchen area of the residence. Matthew stated that he had gone outside but could not see [VICTIM #1] or Matthew, and believed they were down by the road.

Dfacs was called to the scene and obtained an emergency custody order. [REDACTED] was contacted by Dfacs and informed that she would need to attend the court date on Monday before [REDACTED BY AGENCY] could be turned over to her. [VICTIM #1] was given a Faith card and explained the process of getting a Temporary Protective Order against Matthew.

Matthew is being charged with Aggravated Assault FVA strangulation, Battery FVA, and Cruelty to children 3rd degree.

[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:

4/8/26

INDICTMENT RETURNED — MATTHEW DUANE ROBERTSON CHARGED IN RABUN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT

What this means: A Rabun County grand jury returned an indictment against Matthew Duane Robertson in Criminal Action No. 2026SUCR0090C. An indictment means a grand jury reviewed evidence presented by prosecutors and found enough probable cause to formally charge Robertson and send the case to Superior Court. The specific charges from the indictment are reflected in the counts that proceeded through the case.

4/8/26

FIRST APPEARANCE HEARING HELD

What this means: Matthew Duane Robertson appeared before the court for the first time following the indictment in Rabun County Superior Court. A first appearance is a standard early step in the process where the defendant is formally informed of the charges against them and their rights, and the court addresses matters such as bond.

4/8/26

BOND ORDER ENTERED

What this means: The court issued a bond order in the case of State v. Matthew Duane Robertson, Case No. 2026SUCR0090C, in Rabun County Superior Court. A bond order sets the conditions under which a defendant may be released from custody while the case is pending. The specific terms of the bond were established at this time.

5/8/26

CRIMINAL ARRAIGNMENT SCHEDULED — RABUN COUNTY DETENTION CENTER

What this means: An arraignment was scheduled for Matthew Duane Robertson at 9:00 AM at the Rabun County Detention Center. Arraignment is the formal court proceeding where a defendant enters a plea — guilty, not guilty, or no contest — in response to the charges filed against them.

6/8/26

MATTHEW DUANE ROBERTSON PLEADS GUILTY UNDER FIRST OFFENDER ACT — TWO COUNTS

What this means: Matthew Duane Robertson entered guilty pleas in Rabun County Superior Court, Case No. 2026SUCR0090C, under Georgia’s First Offender Act (O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60) on both counts. A negotiated plea agreement was reached with the prosecution.

Count 1 — Aggravated Assault (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21): Robertson pleaded guilty. The court sentenced him to 5 years, with the first 130 days to be served in confinement (credited as time served), and the remainder on probation.

Count 2 — Battery, Family Violence, First Offense, Misdemeanor (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-23.1(f)(1)): Robertson pleaded guilty. The court sentenced him to 130 days to serve, also credited as time served.

The total sentence is 5 years, with 130 days deemed served in confinement and the balance on probation. The sentence was ordered by Judge Carlton H. Jones, III of the Mountain Judicial Circuit, with attorney Ken Klimasewski representing Robertson by employment.

Under Georgia’s First Offender Act, no formal judgment of guilt is entered at this time. If Robertson successfully completes all terms of his sentence and probation, the case will be discharged without a conviction on his record. If he violates the terms, the court may enter a conviction and sentence him up to the maximum allowed by law. A behavioral incentive date of 6/8/2028 was set, which is a milestone at which Robertson’s compliance may be reviewed for potential early release from supervision.

6/8/26

PROBATION CONDITIONS IMPOSED — MATTHEW DUANE ROBERTSON

What this means: As part of his sentence in Case No. 2026SUCR0090C, Matthew Duane Robertson was placed under probation with special conditions ordered by Judge Carlton H. Jones, III in Rabun County Superior Court. The conditions include: reporting to the Community Supervision Office; completing an approved inpatient treatment program; completing an intensive outpatient rehabilitation program; submitting to a Fourth Amendment waiver allowing warrantless searches by law enforcement or probation; authorizing release of medical and criminal history records; undergoing evaluation and treatment for substance abuse and anger management; submitting to random drug and alcohol screens; pre-clearing all medications with probation; completing a DUI Risk Reduction Course; a bar order prohibiting entry into Rabun County during probation; a no-contact order with a named individual except for divorce-related matters; and payment of court costs and fees totaling $250 to the Clerk of Court, $400 attorney fee to Rabun County, and a $50 Public Defender Application Fee.