Acworth Man Sentenced to Prison for Child Molestation
Cobb District Attorney Sonya F. Allen announced that 65-year-old Charles Martinez pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including child molestation and furnishing alcohol to a minor. Cobb Superior Court Judge Ann B. Harris sentenced Martinez to 20 years, with six years to be served in prison.
On December 2, 2023, the underage victim and her friend were spending the night at the defendant’s residence in Acworth. The defendant had been drinking when he offered alcohol to the 13-year-old victim and her 12-year-old friend. While the girls were watching a movie, the defendant asked the victim to sit on the couch with him. He then began touching himself and repeatedly pressured her to touch him. The victim refused multiple times before managing to get away.
The following day, the victim disclosed the incident to a doctor during a routine checkup, prompting an investigation by the Acworth Police Department. Forensic interviews were conducted at SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center.
Senior Assistant District Attorney Lindsay Raynor, the lead prosecutor on this case, was geared for trial when just before it was set to start, the defendant decided to enter a non-negotiated plea on January 27, 2025. During sentencing, Judge Harris cited the defendant’s total lack of remorse and accountability for his actions as significant factors in her decision. In addition to serving six years in prison, the defendant must register as a sex offender.
“Ensuring the safety of our children is one of the highest priorities of this office. This young victim showed tremendous courage in coming forward, and we hope this sentence sends a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated in our community,” said Allen.
“I am so grateful for the victim’s bravery and quick disclosure. I believe the victim’s actions prevented any future predatory behavior by Martinez,” said Raynor.
District Attorney Allen would like to thank the members of her office, the Acworth Police Department and SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center for the hard work on this case that led to securing this outcome.
