A Cobb County man has been hit with a 20-year sentence after a horrific kidnapping and sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl originating from Barrow County. James Anthony Reynolds, a 25-year-old from Acworth, Georgia, was sentenced following his guilty plea in November to kidnapping, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia.
Driving the young girl from Barrow to Chattanooga, Tennessee, after meeting her through a social media app, Reynolds sexually assaulted her and left her alone in a Walmart parking lot. Given a 20-year federal prison sentence, followed by five years of supervised release, the predator will also face additional charges in state court, the U.S. Attorney's Office reported.
FBI Atlanta Assistant Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke expressed that no sentence can undo Reynolds' actions, adding "The FBI is committed to partnering with our law enforcement partners to prevent, deter, and punish crimes like these." Ryan K. Buchanan, U.S. Attorney, echoed these sentiments, urging parents to monitor their children's internet activity, given the increasing exploitation of minors on social media platforms.
Speaking to the diligent work of local law enforcement, Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith expressed pride—and in a call to action, warned if anyone might be in trouble, to contact the Georgia Coalition to Combat Human Trafficking at 866-363-4842. In May 2020, the then 12-year-old victim met Reynolds online, suffered a violent assault, and was subsequently discovered by a Walmart employee who helped reunite the child with her parents, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The case, spotlighting the threats to children in the digital age, stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Barrow County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI. Project Safe Childhood, an initiative protecting children from online abuse, plays a critical role in combating such crimes. More information about the initiative can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov, announced the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Keen, the case serves as a grim reminder of the work that remains in safeguarding the most innocent among us. For further details, the public can reach the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office or visit the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia website, as the fight against the dark exploitative forces in the cyber world proceeds.
