64-Year-Old Dallas Man Convicted of Aggravated Sexual Battery and Child Molestation
Dallas, GA – A Paulding County jury has found William Prather, 64, of Dallas, guilty on all seven counts following a four-day trial that included emotional testimony from a now-teenage victim who was sexually assaulted at age 12.
On January 13, 2026, the jury returned guilty verdicts against Prather for:
- Aggravated Sexual Battery (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-22.2)
- Two counts of Child Molestation (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-4)
- False Imprisonment (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-41)
- Three counts of Sexual Exploitation of Children (O.C.G.A. § 16-12-100)
The case originated from a Paulding County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) investigation launched on or about May 31, 2023, after the 12-year-old victim disclosed to a guardian that Prather had sexually assaulted them. The investigation uncovered evidence supporting the molestation allegations as well as the possession and creation of child sexual abuse material.
During the trial, the victim bravely took the stand to testify, supported by lead detective Chad Murphy of the PCSO Crimes Against Children Unit. After one day of deliberation, jurors convicted Prather on every charge.
Under Georgia law, the court may impose:
- Life imprisonment for Aggravated Sexual Battery
- 5 to 20 years per count of Child Molestation (first conviction)
- 1 to 10 years for False Imprisonment
- 5 to 20 years per count of Sexual Exploitation of Children
Sentencing will be scheduled following completion of a pre-sentence investigation and report by the Department of Community Supervision. The Honorable Ralph Van Pelt presided over the trial.
“This conviction is a powerful reminder that justice is being served in Paulding County,” said District Attorney Robert S. Lane. “After a year of steady leadership, rebuilding, and focused training, these convictions are becoming the norm—not the exception. This office is committed to protecting children, holding predators accountable, and restoring trust in our justice system. We are ‘Probation Paulding’ no more. Our office remains steadfast in its mission: to seek truth, do justice, and protect the most vulnerable among us.”
The case was investigated by the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Deidra Alexander and Senior Assistant District Attorney John Tully of the Paulding Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.
