James Anthony Badaczewski received a 20-year sentence in Houston County Superior Court, with 18 years to be served in prison, after pleading guilty to child molestation before the start of a trial scheduled for Monday. The 38-year-old Warner Robins man’s case involved inappropriate sexual conduct in the presence of an 11-year-old child, according to 41NBC News, which cited information from the Houston County District Attorney’s Office.
Investigation and prosecution
The Houston County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Investigations Division began looking into the matter in 2023 after a disclosure was made to law enforcement. Badaczewski was later arrested following the child’s forensic interview at Crescent House Child Advocacy Center in Macon, 41NBC News reported. The report said he was in a romantic relationship with an adult family member of the child.
Sgt. Kevin Harper led the investigation, while Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth McDaniel prosecuted the case, according to 41NBC News. District Attorney Eric Edwards credited the professionals involved and said the prison term reflected the seriousness with which his office and the community view child sexual exploitation.
Crescent House provides forensic interviews and victim-support services in Central Georgia. The center operates as a specialized service of Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital, which describes its work as including evidence-based forensic interviewing and multidisciplinary support for children affected by abuse, according to Atrium Health Navicent.
