Name of Accused:
Etheridge, Cody Michael
Date of Arrest:
09/18/2024
Charges For Arrest:
FALSE IMPRISONMENT
AGGRAVATED BATTERY
CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY – 2ND DEGREE
HARASSING PHONE CALLS
COURT APPEARANCE
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.]
During the ongoing investigation into recent harassment and threats made by Cody Michael Etheridge against [REDACTED BY AGENCY], new evidence emerged, uncovering a series of serious offenses committed by Etheridge on August 26, 2023.
The investigation revealed that on this date, an argument between Etheridge and [REDACTED BY AGENCY] began at a friend’s house and escalated upon their return to [REDACTED BY AGENCY] residence. According to [REDACTED BY AGENCY] sworn statement, Etheridge’s behavior became increasingly aggressive, culminating in physical violence and the unlawful detention of [REDACTED BY AGENCY] within her own home.
Etheridge confined [REDACTED BY AGENCY] to her bedroom, refusing to allow her to leave or access her phone or keys, effectively restricting her movements and violating her personal liberty. This conduct constitutes false imprisonment under O.C.G.A. 16-5-41, as Etheridge had no legal authority to detain [REDACTED BY AGENCY] in this manner. His actions directly infringed upon [REDACTED BY AGENCY] freedom, resulting in a traumatic experience that was both physically and emotionally damaging. Given the evidence provided by [REDACTED BY AGENCY] including her detailed statement, probable cause was established to issue an arrest warrant for Etheridge for the offense of false imprisonment.
Further investigation into the events of August 26, 2023, revealed that Etheridge also committed the offense of criminal damage to property in the second degree. Following the violent altercation, Etheridge intentionally caused significant damage to [REDACTED BY AGENCY] property. He punched and shattered a mirror, damaging the surrounding wall, and created additional holes in the walls of her home. The damage, which exceeded $500.00, was thoroughly documented through photographic evidence provided by [REDACTED BY AGENCY]. Etheridge’s actions were deliberate and without [REDACTED BY AGENCY] consent, fitting the criteria outlined in O.C.G.A. 16-7-23 for criminal damage to property in the second degree. Based on the evidence collected, an arrest warrant for this offense was also obtained.
The investigation also uncovered that Etheridge had committed aggravated battery against [REDACTED BY AGENCY] on the same date. In a fit of rage, Etheridge shoved [REDACTED BY AGENCY] into a closet door, causing severe injuries that were later corroborated by medical records. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] sustained two broken ribs and three bruised ribs, resulting in significant pain, difficulty breathing, and long-lasting physical impairment. Etheridge’s actions were malicious, causing serious bodily harm to [REDACTED BY AGENCY] and met the definition of aggravated battery under O.C.G.A. 16-5-24. Furthermore, due to the domestic relationship between Etheridge and [REDACTED BY AGENCY], who were formerly living in the same household, the offense qualifies under the Family Violence Act (FVA), which imposes enhanced penalties. With the newly uncovered evidence and the severity of the injuries inflicted, an arrest warrant for aggravated battery was requested and issued.
On August 9, 2024, while located at the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, I, Investigator E. Mullis, received a call from a Peachtree City Officer advising that a patrol officer had stopped Cody Etheridge during a traffic stop in Peachtree City. I made contact with Officer Pendleton, who informed me that he had Cody Etheridge in custody for the outstanding warrant related to case number 24-08-000207. Officer Pendleton further advised that his K-9 partner had alerted on Etheridge’s truck, and during the subsequent search, cocaine was discovered in the vehicle. Officer Pendleton indicated that additional charges would be filed against Etheridge for the drug-related offense. I met with Officer Pendleton to retrieve Cody Etheridge’s cell phone, as I had reason to believe it contained evidence pertinent to my case. The cell phone was signed over to me on this date, and I later obtained a search warrant to examine its contents.
In conclusion, the investigation into Cody Michael Etheridge’s actions on August 26, 2023, revealed a pattern of violent and unlawful behavior that violated several Georgia Criminal Code Sections. The evidence obtained, including [REDACTED BY AGENCY] sworn statement and supporting medical records, provided a strong basis for issuing arrest warrants for false imprisonment, criminal damage to property in the second degree, and aggravated battery. Additionally, the events of August 9, 2024, further implicate Etheridge in criminal activity, with the discovery of cocaine in his vehicle and the potential for further charges. These warrants have been secured to hold Etheridge accountable for his actions and to seek justice for the harm inflicted upon [REDACTED BY AGENCY].
[End of Narrative]