Juvenile Girl’s Disclosure Leads to Arrest of Toccoa Man on Molestation Charges

STEPHENS COUNTY, GA – A Toccoa man has been arrested and charged with Child Molestation and Enticing a Child for Indecent Purposes after a multi-agency investigation into an allegation of sexual abuse.

The investigation began when the Michigan State Police contacted the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Criminal Investigations Division about a report from a juvenile female. She disclosed that an adult male had inappropriate sexual contact with her in Stephens County between 2016 and 2017.

SCSO investigators interviewed the male suspect, identified as Doyle McLaughlin, 67, of Toccoa. Based on the interview, investigators determined there was enough probable cause to issue arrest warrants.

On Tuesday, August 5, the SCSO Crime Suppression Unit located and arrested McLaughlin at a residence on South Pond Street after he had called in sick to his place of employment. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Stephens County Jail.

McLaughlin is being held on a $50,000 bond. The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information on similar crimes to come forward and contact their Criminal Investigations Division at (706) 886-7048.