Crawford County Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Child Molestation Involving 5-Year-Old Girl

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Ga. — A 25-year-old man has been sentenced to 30 years after pleading guilty to two counts of child molestation involving a 5-year-old girl in Crawford County.

James Dorris, 25, was sentenced Friday, October 16, 2026, to 30 years, with the first 10 years to be served in the Georgia Department of Corrections. The remainder of his sentence will be served under sex-offender supervision.

The charges stemmed from an incident in March 2023, when Dorris accompanied his mother to the home of the young victim and her parents.

Father Catches Dorris Committing Lewd Act Near Child

According to prosecutors, Dorris and his mother were visiting the family’s home in Crawford County when the 5-year-old girl went outside to play.

Dorris followed the child outside and committed a lewd act in front of her.

The girl’s father witnessed the incident and forcefully removed Dorris from the property.

During a subsequent interview with investigators, the child disclosed that Dorris had engaged in similar conduct toward her previously.

The investigation resulted in two child molestation charges against Dorris.

Dorris Pleads Guilty to Two Counts of Child Molestation

Dorris pleaded guilty to both counts and was sentenced October 16.

The court imposed a 30-year sentence, requiring Dorris to serve the first 10 years in the Georgia Department of Corrections.

The remaining 20 years will be served under sex-offender supervision.

Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney Anita Howard praised the girl’s father for intervening and the child for speaking with investigators.

“A 5-year-old girl should be safe playing in her own yard, and this defendant took that from her,” Howard said. “Her father acted quickly to protect her, and she showed real courage in telling investigators what had happened to her.”

Howard said the sentence would keep Dorris incarcerated for the next decade, followed by strict supervision.

“Because of this courageous response, Mr. Dorris will spend the next decade in prison and the rest of his sentence under stringent sex-offender supervision. Our office will always stand up for children who cannot protect themselves,” Howard said.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Taylor Wilson.