UPDATE: ADDITIONAL CHARGES FILED IN ARMED ROBBERY; TWO SUSPECTS REMAIN AT LARGE

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Area News

ROME, Ga. — Additional charges have been filed against a Gadsden man accused in the armed robbery of the former State Line Tavern, as authorities continue the search for two remaining suspects.

Cherokee County deputies and the Centre Police Department arrested Jeffrey Lemar Smith, 23, of Gadsden, after locating him hiding inside a dumpster off West Main Street near Watson Drive in Centre. Smith was initially charged in Cherokee County, Alabama, with Attempt to Elude following a pursuit connected to the investigation.

Image courtesy of Cherokee County Sheriff‘s Office of Jeffrey Lamar Smith, 23, of Gadsden.

Smith was later extradited to Floyd County, Ga., where, on December 30, 2025, he received additional felony charges including:

• Aggravated Assault — 2 counts

• Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of Certain Felonies

• Armed Robbery of a Business with a Gun

Authorities say additional charges are expected. Smith is currently being held without bond, per an order issued by Judge Lorie Hughes of the Floyd County Magistrate Court.

Investigators allege that on Friday, December 26, 2025, Smith, along with two other Black males, entered the former State Line Tavern near the Alabama–Georgia line. Smith was reportedly armed with an AR-style pistol and pointed the firearm at a man during the robbery, according to Floyd County Jail records.

Following the incident, a large multi-agency search effort continued through the night. Agencies involved included:

• Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office

• Centre Police Department

• Leesburg Police Department

• Cherokee County Rescue Squad

• Cherokee County EMA

Unmanned aerial systems (drones) and other resources were deployed as officers worked to track the suspects.

The Floyd County Police Department continues to lead the investigation and is working alongside Alabama law enforcement to identify and apprehend the two remaining suspects, who are still at large.

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant.

Anyone with information or who notices suspicious activity is asked to call 911 immediately.

The Weekly Ledger News will continue to follow this developing story. Stay with TWLN for verified updates, breaking news, and comprehensive local coverage.

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