Polk County Man Convicted on Child Molestation, Other Charges

POLK COUNTY, Ga. — A 56-year-old man has been convicted on multiple charges involving a child following a four-day jury trial in Polk County Superior Court.

Robert Hershell Williams was found guilty of child molestation, sexual battery against a child under the age of 16 and enticing a child for indecent purposes, according to Tallapoosa Judicial Circuit District Attorney Jaeson Smith.

The case went to the jury Thursday, Aug. 20, following the presentation of evidence and closing arguments. Jurors deliberated for less than 10 minutes before returning guilty verdicts on all charges.

During the trial, Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Alison Karch presented testimony from numerous witnesses, including individuals who identified themselves as previous victims of Williams. According to the District Attorney’s Office, the witnesses testified about their past experiences while in Williams’ care.

Smith praised those who came forward to testify and thanked jurors for their service.

“It takes tremendous courage for victims to come forward and speak about experiences that have affected them so deeply,” Smith said. “I am incredibly proud of the courage shown by those who were willing to tell their stories and make their voices heard.”

Smith also thanked jurors for what he described as their attentiveness and seriousness throughout the trial.

Following the verdict, Williams was remanded into the custody of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Williams is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 6 at 9 a.m.