Man Who Sexually Abused Child To Be Sentenced: Paulding Prosecutors

DALLAS, GA — A 34-year-old Illinois man is set to be sentenced Thursday after being convicted of sexually abusing a 12-year-old child in Dallas, the Paulding County District Attorney's Office said Monday.

Prosecutors said Travon Watson, of Granite City, was found guilty of aggravated child molestation, aggravated sexual battery and child molestation.

“I am grateful to the members of the jury and the citizens of this county that we are putting our foot down and refuse to accept this heinous behavior in our county," Assistant District Attorney Deidra Alexander said in a news release. "This is a trend we must continue to create a safer Paulding County."

Dallas Police first investigated Watson on Oct. 8, 2022, when the child's mother reported the suspected sexual abuse of her child, prosecutors said.

After two days of deliberation, the jury found Watson guilty of all charges, prosecutors said.

A sentencing is set for 1 p.m. Thursday at the Paulding County Courthouse. Watson is being held at the Paulding County Jail while he awaits sentencing, prosecutors said.

“Children have an unequivocal right to grow up in peace with their innocence guarded against those who prey on that innocence,” Paulding County District Attorney Robert S. Lane said in the release. “As the most vulnerable members of our society, my office will use every tool at its disposal to ensure that children are protected from those who would prey on them.”

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