RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF) — 25-year-old Kaleb Cooks of Chatsworth, Georgia has been found guilty of multiple drug-related charges and driving under the influence (DUI).
This announcement comes from the Office of the District Attorney for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, where a local jury gave their verdict on October 2, 2025.
On December 7, 2023, Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle where the driver potentially needed assistance.
The driver was identified as Cooks, who appeared to be impaired.
While investigating, a deputy discovered a large quantity of suspected fentanyl and cocaine in the driver’s lap.
Deputies then conducted a field sobriety test, which lead to Cooks’ arrest for DUI.
Authorities later recovered fentanyl, cocaine, and drug-related objects from the vehicle.
Cooks was sentenced to 30 years, with five years to be served in the Department of Corrections.
“Fentanyl is a killer and those who traffic it will face the full weight of justice,”
“We asked the court for a far longer sentence because Georgia is losing too many lives — 2,183 overdose deaths in the 12-month period ending July 2024 — and we will use every lawful tool to stop the traffickers who profit from that devastation. Under my leadership, this Circuit will be the toughest in Georgia on fentanyl trafficking. I need the media to highlight this to our community—if you traffic poison here: we are coming after you, we will find you, and we won’t stop until you’re in prison.”
– Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney Clayton M. Fuller
