Dallas Man Convicted Of Sexually Assaulting Child, 12

DALLAS, GA — A man has been convicted of child molestation and several other charges in connection with the sexual assault of a 12-year-old child in Paulding County.

After a four day trial, a jury on Friday found William Prather, 64, of Dallas, guilty on multiple counts, the Paulding County District Attorney's Office said Tuesday.

Authorities began investigating Prather in May 2023 after a 12-year-old told their guardian he sexually assaulted them, prosecutors said. The child testified during the trial, they added.

The jury spent one day deliberating before finding Prather guilty of aggravated sexual battery, two counts of child molestation, false imprisonment and three counts of sexual exploitation of children, prosecutors said.

“After a year of steady leadership, rebuilding and focused training, these convictions are becoming the norm — not the exception," Paulding County District Attorney Robert S. Lane said in a news release. "This office is committed to protecting children, holding predators accountable and restoring trust in our justice system. Justice will be delivered in Paulding County. We are ‘Probation Paulding’ no more. Our office remains steadfast in its mission: to seek truth, do justice and protect the most vulnerable among us.”

A judge will sentence Prather at a later date.