Canton Police Department Investigating Death of a Female Toddler

Update: 12/16/2022 at 5:23 PM

This evening, Canton Detectives secured an additional felony warrant for Phillissa Diallo, in connection with the death of the female toddler. Diallo is being also charged with the following:

O.C.G.A. 16-5-1 (d) Murder 2nd Degree (1 count) (Felony).

This is still an active investigation and more details will be provided when available. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720-4883.

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Original Press Release: 12/16/2022 at 3:38 PM

Canton Police Department Investigating Death of a Female Toddler.

On Wednesday, December 14, 2022, around 4:10 PM, officers initially responded to the Canton Police Department for a walk-in report, where they received information of a deceased toddler being located inside a residence. Officers then responded to 3124 Hearthstone Landing Drive, where they located the body of a deceased female toddler in the residence. The body will be turned over to the GBI Crime Lab to determine the cause of death and identification confirmation.

Canton detectives secured two warrants for Phillissa Diallo (40 years of age), in connection with this incident. Ms. Diallo is being charged with one count of Concealing the Death of Another Person (O.C.G.A. 16-10-31) and one count of Cruelty to Children 2^nd Degree (O.C.G.A. 16-5-70). She is being held at the Cherokee County Detention Center.

Canton Detectives are actively working this investigation. Further details will be provided as the investigation progresses and will be made available. We ask anyone with information to please contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720-4883.

Canton PD Addressing Community Concerns

The Canton Police Department is addressing community concerns after three deceased bodies were located over the span of the last 5 months, in Canton, Georgia.

On June 21, 2022, Officers recovered the body of 42-year-old, William Watkins near Reformation Parkway and Waleska Street, in the wood line. The GBI Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the case a homicide. On July 8, 2022, Canton Detectives secured a felony murder warrant for the arrest of Jacob Huckabay, in connection with the death of William Watkins. Huckabay is being held in custody and awaiting trial.

On July 16, 2022, Officers recovered the body of Pedro Hernandez-Santiago upstream, in the Etowah River, near Brown Street, North of Waleska Street. An autopsy was performed by the GBI Crime Lab. Upon completion of the autopsy, the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the cause of death to be drowning with the manner of death being accidental. The toxicology report detailed that methamphetamine was present.  There have been no investigative details to show foul play was involved, as the autopsy detailed the absence of trauma to the body.

As reported yesterday, November 17, 2022, human skeletal remains were recovered near Reformation Parkway and Waleska Street, in overgrown vegetation being cleared by the property owner. The investigation is in its early stages, and there are minimal details to provide at this time. The human skeletal remains will be turned over to the GBI Crime Lab for further examination and possible identification.

The Canton PD can confirm the Hernandez-Santiago case is not related to other cases mentioned above. Regarding the case involving the human skeletal remains recovered yesterday, Detectives are actively investigating to determine if there are any connections to the William Watkins homicide case. Further details will be provided as the investigation progresses and will be made available.

The Canton Police Department would like to emphasize there is no active threat to the public. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Canton Police Department at 770-720-4883.

Canton PD Locate Human Remains Near River

Press Release Update: Friday, December 23, 2022, at 12:23 P.M.

The human remains located in the area of Reformation Parkway and Waleska Street have been identified as:

John Waller
62-year-old of Canton, Georgia

An examination of the remains was performed by the GBI Medical Examiner's Office which provided identification; however, they are still working to determine the cause and manner of death. No further details are being released at this time due to the case remaining active and ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Canton Police department at (770) 720-4883.
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Original Press Release: November 17, 2022, at 4:03 P.M.
On Thursday, November 17, 2022, Officers responded to Reformation Parkway, near the Waleska Street underpass due to human remains being located in that area. The remains will be turned over to the GBI Crime Lab to be examined.

This incident is actively under investigation. Additional information will be made available as the investigation progresses and the remains are positively identified. 

We ask anyone with information to please contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720-4883.

Canton PD Receives Reports of Candy Tampering

 The Canton Police Department has now received two separate reports of “candy tampering,” where sewing needles have been located.

On Wednesday, November 2, 2022, our agency contacted and urged two parents to file police reports after learning of two incidents of candy tampering from a social media post. The post described an incident where a sewing needle was located inside a ‘Reese’s Take 5” candy bar. The social media post also contained information regarding another parent who discovered a sewing needle within their child’s candy bag. After receiving the reports, we were able to determine both incidents occurred in the Great Sky neighborhood in Canton, Georgia.

We have not received any other reports of candy tampering at this time, but we caution parents to check their children’s candy thoroughly.

No serious injuries have been reported. This is an ongoing investigation, and we urge anyone with information to contact the Canton Police Department at 770-720-4883.

Pedestrian Struck by Vehicle in Canton

The Canton Police Department is currently investigating an accident where a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle. The accident occurred on October 10, 2022, at approximately 9:30 PM, on Ball Ground Highway at Riverpoint Parkway. 

Officers made contact with the pedestrian, who was conscious and alert on the scene but was transported by Cherokee County EMS and is receiving medical care. 

The driver of the vehicle did not sustain injuries and damage to the vehicle was minor.

This is an active investigation and further information will be provided when available.

Canton Employees Receive Canton Moose Lodge Awards

The Canton Moose Lodge held its annual public safety appreciation dinner Monday, October 3, 2022. Three employees of the Canton Police department were honored with the following awards.

Administrative Assistant Gabriela Gonzalez received the Canton Police Department Employee of the Year award.

Corporal Dennis Pishock also received the Uniform Patrol Supervisor of the Year award.

Lastly, Sergeant Jesse Hamilton received the Criminal Investigations Supervisor of the Year award.

"I would like to congratulate Ms. Gonzalez, Cpl. Pishock and Sgt. Hamilton on receiving their distinguished awards. They work tirelessly in their service to our community, making them overly deserving. I would also like to thank the Canton Moose Lodge for their great support of Public Safety personnel in Cherokee and Pickens County." Chief Stephen Merrifield.

Canton Officers Receive Rotary Club Public Safety Awards

 Rotary Club Public Safety Awards 2022

The Rotary Club of Canton held its fifth annual Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, to honor the best in the community.

The luncheon was held at the Bluff's Conference Center, where public safety officers and partners from within Cherokee County were awarded for their outstanding contributions to their professions.

Officer Carlos Henao of the Canton Police Department was honored with the Public Safety Employee of the Year award. Ofc. Henao has served the citizens of Canton since 2019 and was joined at the luncheon by his wife, and children.

Sergeant Tiffanie Cromer of the Canton Police Department was also honored with the Public Safety Employee of the Year award. Sgt. Cromer has served the citizens of Canton since 2015. She was joined at the luncheon by her husband and mother.

"I would like to congratulate Sergeant Cromer and Officer Henao on this prestigious award and I thank them both for their excellent service to our community" Chief Stephen Merrifield.