Suspect on Georgia State University Campus Accused of Sexual Battery Against Female Students

Georgia State University Police and the Atlanta Police Department are seeking a man who has been reported by three different women for groping them. 

There are surveillance photos that have been released of the man they suspect is the perpetrator. Two of the incidents occurred to female students while on Georgia State University campus, and the other incident occurred on Auburn Avenue off of the main campus. 

As an Atlanta Criminal Defense Attorney, I will focus today's post on the criminal offense of sexual battery in Georgia. 

Sexual Battery in Georgia

The Georgia Code defines sexual battery as:

A person commits the offense of sexual battery when he or she intentionally makes physical contact with the intimate parts of the body of another person without the consent of that person. O.C.G.A. §16-6-22.1.

Georgia Law goes on to explain that intimate parts include the primary genital area, anus, groin, inner thighs, or buttocks of a male or female and the breasts of a female. 

Sexual battery is classified as a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature in Georgia. However, if sexual battery is committed against a child under 16 years of age, then the crime is classified as a felony and the penalty will include up to five years in prison. 

Practice Note

As of right now, it is still unclear to authorities whether or not the suspect is a current student at Georgia State University. Both the Georgia State University Police and the Atlanta Police Department are asking for anyone with information as to this man's identity or location to contact them immediately. 

If you have been arrested in the Metro Atlanta area, contact an Atlanta Criminal Defense Lawyer today. Your defense starts here.