The Cedartown man suspected in the fatal shooting of a Rockmart teenager was released from jail in December for time served, according to a Polk County Jail document.

Jermaine Deon Ware, 34, of 4720 Collard Valley Road, Cedartown, surrendered to police January 6 in connection to the 9 a.m. shooting New Year’s Day in the area of Gordon and Church Streets in Rockmart.

Rodney Arzez Mitchell Jr., 16, of Rockmart was killed in the incident.

Ware, who police said is also known as Jermaine Rumph and by the nickname "Big Money” faces charges of felony murder and aggravated assault.

Witnesses identify Ware as the shooter, according to police. A manhunt was initiated after the incident.

Police said they expect additional charges to be filed in the case. Ware remains under the custody of the Polk County Jail, but was transferred to another facility for his own safety, according to jail officials.

Ware had been released from the jail Dec. 24. A document states the releasing officer was L. Price. However, his release was actually approved by Chief Deputy Shayne Garrison, according to the document.

According to the document, Ware was arrested Nov. 4 on a charge that he violated his probation on Sept. 28.

He was scheduled to serve 50 days and his release date was Feb. 4, 2011. However, he was released on Christmas Eve for time served with the document stating he was released early for “good time” credit.

Good time credit can be earned by maintaining good behavior while incarcerated, or by completing drug, school, work, or psychological programs and is used to reduce sentences in overcrowded facilities, according to website for the Council of State Governments’ in Atlanta. Those earning such credits are arrested for non-violence offenses.