Former Corrections Officer Convicted Of Rape Flees During Trial

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- A former corrections officer convicted of raping a 15-year-old girl at his apartment in Sandy Springs is on the run, and the U.S. Marshals Service has been called in to assist in his apprehension. Charles Barry Pinckney disappeared on Friday, Oct. 27, the same day closing arguments were held in the case against him.

That didn't stop the court proceedings, as a Fulton County jury on Monday, Oct. 30 convicted Pinckney on charges of statutory rape, child molestation and sexual battery, the District Attorney's Office said. He was sentenced to 45 years in prison.

Prosecutors say Pinckney encountered the victim outside an apartment complex in Cobb County the night of Jan. 19, 2016. The girl said she was waiting on a friend when she was approached by Pinckney, who was employed as a DeKalb County corrections officer at the time.

The District Attorney's office said Pinckney "lured the victim into his car by offering her a warm place to sit." After accepting his invitation, Pinckney drove the girl back to his apartment in the 700 block of Hammond Drive in Sandy Springs. After they arrived at the residence, Pinckney fed the victim and told her to take a shower.

Soon after, Pinckney forced himself onto the girl, who told police she said "no" and tried to fight him off. However, Pinckney overpowered the victim, continued his attack and later drove the teen back to the Cobb County apartment complex.

The teen told her mother what happened and she was taken to the hospital for treatment. Sandy Springs police investigators arrested Pinckney on Feb. 4, 2016, and the defendant maintained the encounter was consensual.

After disappearing late last week, a judge granted a bench warrant for Pinckney's arrest and revocation of his bond. His whereabouts are unknown at this time.

Visiting former Cobb County Superior Court Judge Grant Brantley presided over the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Johnquel Elaine Neal with the help of Assistant District Attorney Alain Fernandez as well as Investigator Troy Grisby of the Fulton County District Attorney’s Investigations Unit. Detective Sandy Rose of the Sandy Springs Police Department led the initial investigation.

Image via Fulton County Sheriff's Office