BALL GROUND — A judge sentenced Jeremiah Joshua Cornette, 35, of Ball Ground, to 30 years in prison on June 22, 2025. Cornette was found guilty of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of drug-related objects, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The charges stemmed from a May 15, 2025, incident when a Ball Ground police officer observed Cornette sitting on a guardrail along State Route 372 near Interstate 575. The officer discovered Cornette had an active arrest warrant.

Upon initial contact, Cornette refused police commands to remove his hands from his pockets and lie on the ground. He complied after a second officer arrived at the scene. Cornette later told officers he had swallowed fentanyl after seeing the patrol car.

During a search, police found two baggies containing 23 grams of methamphetamine and a meth pipe on Cornette. Officers also located a Smith & Wesson .22 caliber pistol in his front jeans pocket.

After being placed in a patrol car, Cornette lost consciousness. Officers administered two rounds of Narcan to him. Paramedics transported Cornette to a hospital, where he recovered.

Cornette received the maximum penalty on three of the four counts. He must serve 10 years in prison as a recidivist offender under Georgia law. Assistant District Attorney Leland McElveen said, "This was an extremely dangerous situation for all involved. A convicted felon, under the influence of narcotics and armed with a firearm, refused to show his hands and put lives in jeopardy, including his own."

Ball Ground Police Chief Jamie Gianfala said, "These officers remained calm under pressure as they administered two rounds of Narcan and provided medical assistance that ultimately saved a life. At the same time, they prevented illegal drugs and a firearm from posing a further threat to our community."

Cherokee County District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway said, "Despite prior felony convictions, this defendant continued to possess illegal drugs and carry a firearm in violation of the law. This sentence holds him accountable for those choices and reflects the serious danger posed by armed, repeat offenders."