Walton County Man Sentenced to Two Consecutive Life Terms in Child Sexual Abuse Case

WALTON COUNTY, Georgia — A 66-year-old Walton County man was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences Friday after a jury found him guilty of multiple child sexual abuse charges stemming from a 2023 case involving a young relative.

District Attorney Randy McGinley announced that Ronnie Halford was convicted on February 6, 2026, of Aggravated Child Molestation, Child Molestation, Aggravated Sexual Battery, Sexual Battery of a Child Under 16, and Simple Battery.

The crimes occurred in May 2023. Authorities said the victim made an outcry to a family member shortly after the incident, prompting an investigation that included the collection of DNA evidence.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Lacey Majors, alongside Victim Advocate Suzanna Maulfair, Investigators Melindy White and Denney White, and Senior Legal Assistant Melanie Sims. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation with assistance from the GBI Crime Lab. The victim also received services through A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center.

Following the verdict, the court moved directly to sentencing. Senior ADA Majors read a statement detailing the impact of the crimes, with the victim standing beside her. The court then sentenced Halford to two consecutive life sentences, followed by additional years in prison.