A Cherokee County man will spend 25 years in prison, followed by the rest of his life on probation, after admitting to years of sexual abuse against a child who finally spoke up as a teenager, according to prosecutors.
The victim told investigators the abuse began when she was just 6 years old and continued for years before she disclosed it at age 14, authorities said.
Chase Taylor Doughty, 35, pleaded guilty to aggravated child molestation, aggravated sodomy, two counts of aggravated sexual battery, two counts of child molestation, first-degree cruelty to children and trafficking of persons for sexual servitude, according to Atlanta News First. Prosecutors said the girl reported that the abuse happened two to three times a week over several years before she came forward.
Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Rachel Hines told Atlanta News First that Doughty “exploited a very young child’s trust.” District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway said the case moved forward because the girl disclosed the abuse to a therapist, her mother backed her, and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office carried out a swift investigation.
Charges and Penalties
Trafficking a person for sexual servitude is among Georgia’s most serious felonies. Under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-46, trafficking involving a victim under 18 carries a possible sentence of 25 to 50 years or life in prison, according to Justia.
Aggravated child molestation and aggravated sodomy also carry the potential for life or lengthy prison terms under Georgia law. For the statutory language, see O.C.G.A. § 16-5-46 and O.C.G.A. § 16-6-4, available via Justia.
What Comes Next
Doughty was sentenced in Cherokee County Superior Court and will begin serving his term in the state prison system, followed by lifetime probation, prosecutors said. Local authorities noted that the lengthy sentence, along with ongoing supervision, is intended to keep him away from children and highlighted the case as a reminder of how crucial it is to report suspected abuse.
Resources for Survivors
If you or someone you know needs help, the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline offers 24/7 counseling and crisis intervention at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) and online through Childhelp.
The Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office also posts victim-assistance information and local support resources on its website: Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office.
