Canton Man Sentenced to 30 Years After Threatening to Set Himself and Ex-Girlfriend on Fire

CANTON, Ga. — A 27-year-old Canton man has been sentenced to 30 years after pouring gasoline on himself, grabbing his ex-girlfriend and threatening to set them both on fire when she tried to end their relationship, according to the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office.

Jesse Logan Ellis, 27, was sentenced October 23, 2026, after entering a non-negotiated guilty plea to aggravated assault with intent to murder, aggravated assault and false imprisonment.

Superior Court Judge Shannon Wallace ordered Ellis to serve the first 12 years in prison, with the remaining 18 years on probation.

The charges stemmed from a May 13 domestic violence incident investigated by the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office.

Woman Went to Ex-Boyfriend’s Home to Retrieve Motorcycle Helmet

According to prosecutors, the victim went to Ellis’ home to retrieve her motorcycle helmet.

When she attempted to leave, Ellis refused to let her go.

The woman eventually persuaded Ellis to allow her to use a bathroom in another building on the property, giving her an opportunity to escape.

She went to a nearby home occupied by two acquaintances and asked them to accompany her back to retrieve the helmet.

When the three returned, Ellis told the woman he loved her and insisted that she could not end their relationship.

The confrontation then escalated.

Man Poured Gasoline on Himself and Threatened to Burn Both Alive

Prosecutors said Ellis poured gasoline on himself, grabbed his ex-girlfriend in a bear hug and held a lighter while threatening to set them both on fire.

According to the victim and witnesses, Ellis made a statement to the effect of, “If I can’t have her, no one can.”

The two acquaintances intervened, pulling the woman away from Ellis and taking the lighter from him.

They then called 911.

When Cherokee County sheriff’s deputies arrived, they found the woman crying along the roadside.

Assistant District Attorney Ashley Snow, who prosecuted the case, described the fear the victim experienced.

“When deputies responded to this domestic dispute, they found the victim on the roadside, crying. She believed she was facing the possibility of being burned alive,” Snow said.

“Thanks to her quick thinking and the actions of those who helped her, she escaped a situation that could have ended in tragedy. The emotional scars of that experience remain with her today.”

Judge Rejects First Offender Request, Orders 12 Years in Prison

During the October 23 sentencing hearing, prosecutors recommended a 30-year sentence with 15 years to be served in prison.

The defense requested a 30-year sentence with five years in confinement.

Judge Wallace ultimately imposed a 30-year sentence requiring Ellis to serve 12 years in prison, followed by 18 years of probation.

The judge also denied the defense’s request to sentence Ellis under Georgia’s First Offender Act.

As part of his probation, Ellis must comply with several conditions, including:

• No contact of any kind with the victim.
• Participation in a family violence intervention program.
• Mental health and substance abuse evaluations and treatment.
• Forfeiture of all weapons.

District Attorney Warns About Escalating Domestic Violence

Cherokee County District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway said the case illustrates the danger victims can face when attempting to leave abusive relationships.

“This case is a stark reminder that domestic violence is rooted in power and control,” Treadaway said.

“When victims attempt to leave an abusive relationship, that loss of control can lead to dangerous escalation. Our office remains committed to holding offenders accountable as we stand with those affected by domestic violence.”

The case was investigated by the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Snow, a member of the Domestic Violence Unit in the Office of the District Attorney for the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit.

Anyone experiencing domestic violence can contact the Cherokee Family Violence Center at 770-479-1703, a 24-hour crisis hotline, or visit CFVC.org. In an emergency, call 911.