Johns Creek Police Searching for Therapist Accused of Child Molestation

Johns Creek, Ga. – Police in Johns Creek are currently searching for a behavioral therapist who has been accused of molesting a young boy with autism.

According to reports, the therapist is on the run and is believed to have gone into hiding. The therapist had been assigned to help the boy in a one-on-one role at his home. The boy confided in his mother that he had been inappropriately touching him during their sessions.

As a Georgia Sex Crimes Attorney, I will focus on one of the initial charges – child molestation in today's post.

Child Molestation in Georgia

According to Georgia law, child molestation in Georgia is defined as:

When a person does any immoral or indecent act to or in the presence of or with any child under the age of 16 years with the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of either the child or the person; or by means of an electronic device, transmits images of a person engaging in, inducing, or otherwise participating in any immoral or indecent act to a child under the age of 16 years with the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of either the child or the person” (O.C.G.A. §16-6-4(a)1-2)). 

To be convicted of child molestation, the state of Georgia must show that the accused person is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by demonstrating that an immoral or indecent act was committed by said person to a child under the age of 16 years old.

A conviction of child molestation is a felony, and the penalties include five to twenty years in prison as well as counseling from the Department of Corrections. For a second conviction of child molestation, the penalty includes ten to thirty years in prison or a life sentence. 

However, if the victim is between 14-16 years old, and the convicted person is younger than 18 and no more than 4 years apart from the victim, then the crime will be considered a misdemeanor. 

Practice Note

These are some very serious allegations. As a criminal defense firm, we understand that there are two sides to every story. It is important if you have been accused or arrested for a crime in the state of Georgia that you contact representation today. Call us now.