Monquezias Deshad Watts, 33, is set to spend the rest of his life behind bars after a Cherokee County jury found him guilty of a string of sex crimes against teenage girls. A judge sentenced the Canton man on Thursday to three consecutive life terms plus 25 years, ordering that each life sentence be served back to back, not at the same time.
Judge Imposes Back-to-Back Life Terms
Superior Court Judge Jennifer L. Davis handed down the punishment one week after jurors returned guilty verdicts on ten felony counts. The convictions include four counts of rape, five counts of child molestation and one count of aggravated sexual battery, with the court tacking on an additional 25 years to be served, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. Assistant District Attorney Leyna Pope told the court that "evidence presented at trial showed that this man has been acting with impunity for years," while District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway called the outcome "long-awaited justice for these young women," the outlet reported.
Charges Tracked Across Court Calendars
The Cherokee County District Attorney's trial calendar lists the case as State of Georgia v. Monquezias Deshad Watts, with charges that include aggravated sexual battery, rape, aggravated child molestation and child molestation, and notes that a jury trial was set for mid-March, according to the Office of the District Attorney. Public court filings connected to the case span multiple case numbers and offense dates over several years, reflecting the official dockets prosecutors relied on to bring the matter before a jury.
Prosecutors Say Girls Were Targeted While Vulnerable
Prosecutors told jurors that Watts targeted girls under 16 and often assaulted them while they were asleep or impaired by drugs or alcohol, according to the reporting. Over the course of the multi-day trial, 28 witnesses took the stand, including five named victims and child-abuse experts, and prosecutors said the investigation began in 2021 when a 14-year-old girl reported the abuse to Canton police, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta. It remains unclear whether Watts will pursue an appeal or other post-conviction relief.
Reporting Abuse and Finding Resources
If you suspect child abuse in Georgia, the Division of Family & Children Services operates a 24/7 reporting line at 1-855-GA-CHILD (1-855-422-4453). In an emergency, call 911, according to DFCS Child Protective Services. Residents seeking more information about the case can review public court records or contact the Cherokee County District Attorney's Office.
