Cherokee Man Sentenced To Life For Sexual Abusing Two Girls

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA — A Cherokee County man has been sentenced to life, with 25 years to serve, for sexually assaulting two teen girls.

Lammie Leonard Thurmond III, 67, was sentenced on July 19 for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old relative and her 13-year-old friend in Free Home. The defendant entered a guilty plea to two counts of aggravated child molestation, one count of incest, two counts of child molestation, and two counts of aggravated sexual battery.

Thurmond was arrested after sexually assaulting both girls during a sleepover in April 2018. He admitted to sexually assaulting and molesting the first girl beginning in 2010 when she was 4-years-old.

During the sentencing hearing, the first victim said this traumatic experience has motivated her to pursue a career in law enforcement, so she can help other crime victims. She thanked her friend for having the courage to come forward.

“I’m so happy [my friend] had the guts I didn’t have to say something to her mom because now I finally get the justice I deserve, and you can’t hurt anybody else in jail,” she said, addressing Thurmond at the hearing.

During the hearing, Judge Ellen McElyea praised the child and said that she and her mother were an inspiration.

“Had it not been for the child’s friend coming forward, Mr. Thurmond might still be terrorizing children,” said Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Holly Varner, who prosecuted the case on behalf of the State.

McElyea sentenced Thurmond to a life sentence with 25 years to serve in prison on each count of aggravated child molestation, 25 years to serve on the incest, 20 years to serve on each count of child molestation, and life with 25 years to serve on each count of aggravated sexual battery. All of these counts will run concurrently for a total sentence of life with the first 25 years to be served incarcerated in the State Penal System. Upon completion of his 25 mandatory years in prison, the defendant will be 92 years old.

“Lammie Thurmond was a predator who molested innocent girls in his own home. This lengthy sentence prevents him from preying on any child ever again,” said Cherokee County District Attorney Shannon Wallace.