Former Cop Mark Howell Sparks Convicted in Connection to Chop Shop
A federal jury in Rome has convicted a former Polk County police investigator on three of six charges related to the operation of a Cedartown chop shop.
The jury convicted 40-year-old Mark Howell Sparks of Cedartown on Thursday of informing the target of an investigation that he was being investigated, obstructing a criminal investigation and possession of a pickup truck with an altered vehicle identification number with the intention to sell the vehicle.
Sparks was acquitted of operating a chop shop and attempting to dispose of vehicle parts.
Sparks' attoey, Jimmie Berry, says his client was set up by the actual chop shop conspirators.
Sparks will be sentenced on Oct. 6. He says he plans to appeal.
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Mike Gallagher
Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.
