Seven Arrested After Violent Assault at Paulding Residence, Teen Charged as Adult

BETWEEN GA:      The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office has formally announced the arrest of seven individuals, a group comprising both teenagers and adults, following a deeply disturbing and violent incident involving a brutal beating and sexual assault at a local house party. The disturbance took place at a residence that authorities now describe as a notorious trouble spot for the community, having been the subject of at least four prior SWAT team responses in the year 2024 alone due to suspected gang activity and other dangerous issues. According to lead investigators on the case, the tragic event began as a social gathering involving underage drinking where a female minor was eventually targeted and victimized by other attendees.

     Deputies report that the situation escalated rapidly when the victim was physically assaulted by two female suspects, identified by law enforcement as 13-year-old Ja'loni Daniel and 17-year-old Ranaija White. Following this initial physical attack, investigators allege that the victim was then sexually assaulted by two male suspects, identified as 17-year-old Jabari Scott and 21-year-old Deontaye Parker. All four of these primary suspects now face a litany of serious felony charges, including aggravated sodomy, aggravated assault, battery, and multiple counts of participation in criminal gang activity. Due to the extreme severity and violent nature of the alleged crimes, prosecutors and the Sheriff's Office have made the decision to charge the 13-year-old suspect, Ja'loni Daniel, as an adult.

     In addition to those accused of the direct physical and sexual assault, three other adults were arrested at the scene and charged for their specific roles in facilitating the dangerous environment that allowed such violence to occur. Sarah Miles, 59, and Keisha Scott, 36, were both charged with maintaining a disorderly house, a charge often levied against property owners or tenants who allow illegal activity to fester on their premises. Keisha Scott faces an additional serious charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, reflecting the presence of underage alcohol consumption and lack of supervision. Noah Brooks, 23, was also taken into custody and charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

     The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office has indicated that this investigation is part of a much broader and more aggressive crackdown on properties linked to drugs, gang violence, and disorder within the area. Sheriff Gary Gulledge has previously expressed a zero-tolerance policy for those who threaten the safety of the community, emphasizing that his office will utilize every resource available, including state and local partners, to hold dangerous individuals accountable. The repeated presence of law enforcement at this specific address highlights the ongoing struggle authorities face in dismantling entrenched locations of criminal activity. As the investigation continues, officials are urging anyone with further information regarding this incident or similar activities at the residence to come forward, ensuring that all parties involved are brought to justice.