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71-year-old Cherokee County man sentenced for molesting child he called his ‘best friend’

71 year old cherokee county man sentenced for molesting child he called his best friend
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — A Cherokee County man is heading to prison for the next 15 years after being convicted of molesting a young girl.

Prosecutors say 71-year-old Walter Gary DeVault, who used to live in Woodstock, was convicted of child molestation back in February. Earlier this week, DeVault was sentenced to 40 years, but will only serve the first 15 in a state prison. The remainder will be served on probation.

According to the Cherokee County District Attorney’s office, DeVault’s charges stemmed from allegations that he molested a girl when she was nine and 10 years old in 2016 and 2017.

DeVault was a family friend of the girl’s that she trusted. He would often spend time alone with her on outings.

During the trial, DeVault testified that he considered the girl his “best friend” and that he would often tell her about his unconditional love for her.

When the girl’s parents became concerned about his relationship with her, they cut DeVault off from her, prosecutors say. They added that he continued trying to contact the girl and delivered letters to her that included disparaging comments about her parents.

Two years later, the girl reported the abuse to a family member and said she was afraid he would come back for her.

Investigators later learned that DeVault had been in contact with other young girls around the same age. Two other witnesses from outside of Cherokee County testified against him during the trial.

DeVault was a family friend of the girl’s that she trusted. He would often spend time alone with her on outings.

During the trial, DeVault testified that he considered the girl his “best friend” and that he would often tell her about his unconditional love for her.

When the girl’s parents became concerned about his relationship with her, they cut DeVault off from her, prosecutors say. They added that he continued trying to contact the girl and delivered letters to her that included disparaging comments about her parents.

Two years later, the girl reported the abuse to a family member and said she was afraid he would come back for her.

Investigators later learned that DeVault had been in contact with other young girls around the same age. Two other witnesses from outside of Cherokee County testified against him during the trial.

Authored by WSBTV.com via 95.5 WSB May 30th 2022

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