Paulding County Man Sentenced to Life Plus 55 Years for Sexual Assault of 12-Year-Old
DALLAS, GA — A 64-year-old Dallas man will spend the remainder of his life in prison following a major conviction in Paulding County Superior Court. On March 31, 2026, William Prather was sentenced to life imprisonment plus an additional 55 years after a jury found him guilty on seven felony counts related to the sexual abuse and exploitation of a child.
The sentencing, handed down by Superior Court Senior Judge Ralph Van Pelt, follows a four-day trial where the 12-year-old victim bravely testified against their attacker.
The Investigation and Verdict
The case began in May 2023, when the victim reported the abuse to a guardian. The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) Crimes Against Children Unit, led by Detective Chad Murphy, launched an investigation that uncovered a pattern of assault and exploitation.
After a year of legal proceedings, a jury deliberated for one day before returning guilty verdicts on all counts, including:
- Aggravated Sexual Battery
- Child Molestation (Two counts)
- False Imprisonment
- Sexual Exploitation of Children (Three counts)
“Probation Paulding No More”
District Attorney Robert S. Lane used the conviction to signal a shift in how the county handles high-level predatory crimes. Lane emphasized that his office has spent the last year rebuilding and focusing on specialized training to ensure maximum accountability for offenders.
“After a year of steady leadership… these convictions are becoming the norm — not the exception,” said District Attorney Lane. “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 prosecution was led by Assistant District Attorney Deidra Alexander and Senior Assistant District Attorney John Tully. Lane credited their tireless work, along with the courage of the young victim, for securing the life sentence.
