On Sunday, January 31, 2016 the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office received a citizen tip regarding the armed robberies that had been occurring throughout the area. A subsequent follow up of that information resulted in law enforcement going to the Carousel Inn located in Trion. Based on the seriousness of the crimes, the motel guest were evacuated and the suspect room was placed under surveillance. A short time later, a search warrant was obtained for the room. After unsuccessful attempts to contact the occupants of the room, entry was made. As a result of the search, Officer’s placed the occupants under arrest for possession of methamphetamine.
A further search of the room resulted in items being located that, we believe, are associated with several of the armed robberies that have occurred in Chattooga, Walker, Floyd and Whitfield counties. Investigators are working together to examine and evaluate the items that were recovered from the room. There was a firearm located in the room which fits the description of the firearm used in several of the armed robberies. “It appeared that during the time we were waiting for the search warrant, the occupants attempted to burrow their way from one room to another. Their attempt, however was thwarted by a block wall”.
Investigators are still looking into each robbery to see if they were connected. This investigation is not complete. At this time we are not certain that each robbery was committed by the same person or persons.
Charges haven’t been completed and Investigators are still attempting to locate other persons of interest. At the present time the arrest and charges are as follows:
James Tyrone Carmichael (42) of Rome, GA: Armed Robbery x 2, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Jake Lee Skuse (26) Leesburg, Al: Armed Robbery, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
“The Sheriff’s Office has had a tremendous amount of support and cooperation from several agencies throughout this investigation. The Summerville Police Department, the Trion Police Department, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Walker County Sheriff’s Office have all provided significant support. Chief Mosley, Chief Kellett, Captain Tucker, and several of their officers assisted my Deputies and Investigators with the events that unfolded Sunday night. The ability and willingness for each agency to work together is a great asset for the people of Chattooga County and the municipalities that lay within”. – Sheriff Mark A. Schrader
