HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — A Houston County man was convicted of child molestation by a jury on Oct. 18 according to a press release from District Attorney William M. Kendall.
The release says 62-year-old Mehmet Cekil was charged with aggravated child molestation, child molestation, and sexual battery to a person under 16.
Cekil was sentenced on Oct. 20 to 45 years in prison followed by life on probation. He will also have to register as a sex offender for life.
The release says the case involved two children who were both 11-years-old when the abuse began. It says the abuse happened on several occasions.
Cekil was found guilty on all counts.
"I am so grateful for this jury for listening to the evidence, believing in the victims, and bringing Cekil to justice," Assistant District Attorney Alicia Gasset said. "The two victims in this case were so brave and courageous in taking the stand and telling this jury in detail the horrible acts done to them by Cekil. This case is a heartbreaking reminder that we must be vigilant in protecting children from predators and not ignore the signs of child sexual abuse. I’d like to thank Sgt. Bennett Lashley with the Houston County Sheriff’s office for his work in this case as well as the people at the Crescent House Child Advocacy Center.”
The District Attorney also made statements on the case.
“The heinous people who do these kinds of acts to children should know that our office does not take these matters lightly, and we will do everything in our legal and ethical ability to seek lengthy prison sentences for them. Protection of our children is a priority. The children of our community represent our future. The display of courage brought by these victims was a glimpse into how amazing our future generation really is. To stand bravely and boldly against a terrible individual is no easy feat, but they did it. I appreciate the hard work and thorough investigation by the Houston County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Division and our amazing Special Victims Unit Prosecutors, advocates and staff. Although today we find victory in the battle against evil, it is for a short time—our mission continues. We will continue on to seek justice and serve the victims of Houston County.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Alicia Gassett and Assistant District Attorney Justin Duane.