GA Man Sentenced For Molestation After Meeting Teen From App

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA — A man from Pickens County was recently sentenced for meeting up with a teen for an "immoral act," officials said.

Antonio Deshun Harris, 43, pleaded guilty and was recently sentenced for aggravated child molestation of a child under the age of 16.

The charges stem from an incident on March 19, 2018, when a family member came home and discovered a stranger inside the house with the child. The family member was able to provide the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office with a description of the man, as well as a description of his car and its license plate number. The child had previously communicated with Harris through a social media app.

“This individual went to a teenage boy’s home for one purpose only – to commit an immoral act on a child,” said Assistant District Attorney Randall Ivey, who prosecuted the case on behalf of the state. “Mr. Harris fled from the scene because he knew his actions were wrong. Fortunately, family members quickly called 911 and he was apprehended.”

On Nov. 19, Judge Tony Baker sentenced Harris to 20 years to be served in confinement, with the remainder of his life to be served on probation. Upon release, Harris will serve probation with sex offender special conditions including no contact of any kind with minors under the age of 18. He is also prohibited from contact with the victim or any member of his family.

“Fortunately this child’s family was able to act quickly so that law enforcement could investigate the crime and quickly arrest the defendant,” said Cherokee County District Attorney Shannon Wallace. “This case demonstrates how important it is for parents to be vigilant in keeping an eye on their children’s devices, so they know with whom they are communicating."