Celebrating in a Year Like No Other

By District Attorney Shannon Wallace

As we come to the end of 2020, it’s safe to say that everyone is hoping the new year will reset our world back to pre-pandemic times. The past nine months have certainly been challenging. While there’s no way to predict when we’ll be back to normal, it’s important to acknowledge all that we have accomplished and overcome.

Throughout the pandemic, those of us in the judicial system have continued essential work, with everyone working collaboratively to develop a means to conduct procedures remotely beginning in March and continuing through the year.

By using technology, face coverings, and/or social distancing, Cherokee County’s Office of the District Attorney has provided services to 1,603 victims, conducted 551 remote hearings, and formally accused 342 cases from March 13 through the
end of October.

After months of careful planning, Cherokee County began to conduct grand jury proceedings again this fall, adhering to guidelines outlined by the Georgia Supreme Court and our own Superior Court. Over the course of three days in October, 101 grand jury indictments were presented; in November, 96 were presented.

Cherokee County Superior Court has developed a plan to conduct face-to-face court and jury trials, which are expected to begin soon.

In addition to our work in court, other success stories include:

• New Special Victims Unit ­— The Office of the District Attorney established a Special Victims Unit (SVU) to provide enhanced prosecution of crimes against children and the elderly. The new unit is led by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Katie Gropper, who has more than 13 years of prosecution experience. Gropper has spent the entirety of her career handling the prosecution of crimes against women, children, and other vulnerable populations.
• Investigator of the Year ­— Kathleen Tallent, an investigator in our office, was honored by the District Attorneys’ Association of Georgia as Investigator of the Year. This statewide honor reflects her dedication and service to crime victims in Cherokee County. In 2019, after uncovering a murder conspiracy, Tallent initiated an investigation, which likely saved a young man’s life.
• Domestic Violence Task Force of the Year ­— The Georgia Commission on Family Violence announced that the Cherokee County Domestic Violence Task Force was selected as Task Force of the Year. Members of the Office of the District Attorney are active participants in this task force, which is comprised of government agencies, community-based agencies, survivors of family violence, and concerned community members and professionals. The group meets monthly with the goal to strengthen and sustain coordinated community response to family violence in our county.
• Service to the Community ­— Throughout the year, our employees take part in service projects that benefit citizens of Cherokee County. Whether it’s donating back-to-school supplies, collecting gifts for children in the custody of the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), providing Christmas gifts for the elderly, or helping other organizations in need, our employees have big hearts and truly care about this community.

Whatever the new year brings, we remain committed to serving and protecting Cherokee County residents and ensuring victims have a voice.

Holiday blessings to you all, and a happy New Year!