Cobb County Man Found Guilty of Rape and Child Molestation, Sentenced to Life in Prison

Cobb County District Attorney Flynn D. Broady Jr. has announced that James Westly, aged 41, has been found guilty of rape and three counts of child molestation. Superior Court Judge Ann B. Harris has sentenced Westly to life in prison.

The investigation, initiated in March 2023 by the Cobb County Police Department Special Victims Unit, followed a report of rape and child molestation made by the victim’s mother. The female victim, under 16 years old, disclosed that she had been repeatedly molested by Westly between 2021 and 2022.

According to the victim, Westly had touched various parts of her body and engaged in rape. Westly denied the victim’s presence during the reported incidents, but cell phone records obtained by Cobb County detectives confirmed her location.

Westly had previously been convicted in Fulton County in 2003 for aggravated child molestation and child molestation involving relatives in Atlanta. Following a trial, he served a 10-year prison sentence. Those prior victims were permitted to testify in the recent trial, describing similar abuse by Westly.

District Attorney Flynn D. Broady Jr. praised the victim’s courage in coming forward: “We are deeply inspired by the victim’s bravery in coming forward to speak out against her abuser. Her courage was instrumental in securing justice and ensuring that the perpetrator can no longer harm others.”

Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Lindsay Raynor handled the prosecution on behalf of the state, while Sylvia Goldman represented the defendant.