CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. – On January 9th, 2026, Jeffrey Wade Anthony, a 47-year old man from Chickamauga, was found guilty in two separate cases of committing Unlawful Acts of Violence in a Penal Institution after a nonjury trial in Catoosa County conducted before Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Melissa Hise.

On February 3, 2023, Anthony was incarcerated in the Catoosa County jail for committing a violation of his probation.

Anthony was captured on video surveillance initiating violence in the jail by pushing another inmate into a corner.

When the other inmate attempted to push Anthony back, Anthony responded by punching him. Subsequently, Anthony was sent to the Georgia Department of Corrections for his probation violation.

After Anthony served that sentence, he was returned to the Catoosa County jail to stand trial for

the February 3, 2023 offense he committed in the jail. While awaiting trial, Anthony committed a separate act of violence. On April 14, 2025, Anthony was captured on video surveillance approaching a different inmate who was lying down in his bunk.

Anthony repeatedly punched and struck the other inmate without provocation.

The State of Georgia was represented by Assistant District Attorney Grace Talbot with the assistance of Assistant District Attorney David Wolfe.

Anthony’s cases were investigated by Detective Lieutenant Todd Pitts and Lieutenant Ethan Powell.

After being convicted in both cases of committing Unlawful Acts of Violence in a Penal Institution, Anthony was sentenced to 40 years with the first 15 years to be served in the Georgia Department of Corrections without the possibility of parole due to Anthony’s extensive criminal history.

Acting District Attorney Deanna Reisman commended the prosecution of Anthony and the verdict: “Violent acts committed by inmates in our local jails create a dangerous environment for our local jailers, law enforcement officers, and other inmates. The District Attorney’s Office will prosecute individuals who commit these violent acts while in confinement to the fullest extent of the law.”