8-Time Convicted Felon Sentenced In Douglasville

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — A Douglas County man convicted of eight felonies over the course of his lifetime will be spending much of the next four decades behind bars.

A Superior Court jury on Wednesday convicted Ronnie Lawton on three counts of identity fraud, three counts of forgery and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He faces a maximum possible sentence of 38 years in prison and, due to his criminal history, he will be ineligible for parole, according to the Douglas County District Attorney's office.

Sentencing in the case, by Judge Cynthia C. Adams, is set for August 30.

On Jan. 27, 2016, officers from the Douglasville Police Department and Douglas County Sheriff's Office pulled over Lawton's SUV for multiple traffic violations. Officers found drugs when they did a search of the vehicle, as well as multiple ledgers containing names, Social Security numbers, bank routing numbers and dates of birth.

They also recovered counterfeit money, checks and credit cards, along with a how-to manual with details on how to fraudulently emboss fake credit cards. They found a .40-caliber pistol and ammunition. All of those items were in a duffel bag belonging to Lawton.

Investigators contacted people whose names were on the ledgers and learned those people were victims of identity fraud and that Lawton had been creating bank accounts using their personal information. The victims spanned over 10 states and multiple continents.

Following a three-day trial, the jury returned its guilty verdicts in less than 45 minutes.

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"These jurors came together, set aside their personal lives and jobs and focused on determining the truth in this case," said Assistant District Attorney Joseph Cusack, who prosecuted the case. "Without their dedicated civic service, our criminal justice system would not ensure that everyone has the right to a fair trial. "

"I thank them for their service in delivering a just verdict that ensures Ronnie Lawton will be held accountable for his crimes."

District Attorney Brian Fortner said the verdict will get a predatory career criminal off the streets.

"The Defendant has exhibited over a span of 25 years that he is, and will remain, a career criminal intent on preying on hard working civilians in the community," Fortner said. "I thank the jury for putting an end to his criminal career and ensuring justice will be served."

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