The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the case in September 2021, according to Atlanta News First. On Aug. 24, a jury found Charles Lowry Douglas guilty of nine counts of child molestation and seven counts of sexual battery. The jury also acquitted him of one count of aggravated child molestation and two counts of child molestation, the outlet reported.
The allegations involved abuse over several years at homes in Ball Ground and Holly Springs, Atlanta News First reported. Its account said five children who were related to or knew Douglas reported abuse, with some saying it began when they were 6 or 7. Published accounts differ on the number of children and Douglas’s age: Atlanta News First’s verdict story reported five children and described him as 47, while FOX 5 Atlanta reported four children and listed him as 58. Atlanta News First’s sentencing report also listed him as 58 and referred to four victims.
On Sept. 9, Superior Court Judge Jennifer L. Davis sentenced Douglas to 80 years, with the first 60 years to be served in confinement, according to Atlanta News First and FOX 5 Atlanta. FOX 5 reported that the sentence bars him from contacting the named victims and includes special conditions for sex offenders.
Assistant District Attorney Leyna Pope said Douglas showed no remorse and made calls from jail asking victims to recant within an hour of the verdict, according to Atlanta News First. FOX 5 reported that prosecutors sought 60 years in prison and the defense requested rehabilitation and leniency.
