Middle Aged Man Found Guilty of Multiple Counts of Child Molestation in Georgia

Mark Allen Reasey was convicted today in court in Newton County of two counts of aggravated child molestation and two counts of child molestation.

No details about the specific charges were provided, but Reasey will be sentenced later in November.

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I will focus on differentiating the offenses of child molestation and aggravated child molestation in today's post.

Child Molestation in Georgia

The Georgia Code defines child molestation in Georgia as:

A person commits the offense of child molestation when the person either:

1. 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
2. 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).

If convicted of child molestation, the individual will be guilty of a felony. For the first child molestation conviction, the penalty includes five to twenty years in prison. For a second or subsequent conviction of child molestation, the penalty increases to ten and thirty years or life in prison.

Aggravated Child Molestation in Georgia

The Georgia Code defines aggravated child molestation in Georgia as:

A person commits the offense of aggravated child molestation when such person commits an offense of child molestation which act physically injures the child or involves an act of sodomy. O.C.G.A. §16-6-4(c).

If convicted of aggravated child molestation, the individual will be guilty of a felony. A person convicted of aggravated child molestation will be punished by life in prison or by a split sentence of at least 25 years in prison followed by probation for life.

Practice Note

Unfortunately, people are wrongly and falsely accused quite frequently. Most people automatically assume guilt in situations like this. Reasey was found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. However, if you or a loved one have been falsely accused, contact our offices today. 

A Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney can help you with your case and determine which options work best for you.