Four Quitman Residents Arrested in GBI Investigation Into Minor’s Pregnancy in Brooks County
BROOKS COUNTY, Ga. – Four Quitman residents have been arrested following a Georgia Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the pregnancy of a minor, with one man facing child molestation and incest charges and three others accused of felony cruelty to a child.
The GBI announced that Ricardo Boatman, 34, of Quitman, has been charged with one count of child molestation and one count of incest.
Three other Quitman residents were arrested in connection with the investigation:
- Lavon Thurston, 70, charged with felony second-degree cruelty to a child.
- Terrilyn Thurston, 67, charged with felony second-degree cruelty to a child.
- Ariel Boatman, 37, charged with felony second-degree cruelty to a child.
The investigation began Feb. 11, 2026, when the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the GBI regarding the pregnancy of a minor.
During the investigation, GBI agents identified Ricardo Boatman as a suspect.
Authorities arrested Boatman on Sept. 23, 2026, and booked him into the Brooks County Jail.
The investigation subsequently led to the arrests of Lavon Thurston, Terrilyn Thurston and Ariel Boatman on Oct. 1. All three were also booked into the Brooks County Jail.
The GBI has not disclosed the minor’s age, the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy or the specific actions that led to the cruelty-to-a-child charges.
Investigators also have not explained the relationships among the four defendants or their relationships to the minor.
The GBI said the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Thomasville at 229-225-4090.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the GBI Tipline at 800-597-8477.
