A Walton County jury convicts 2 men of child molestation last week

WALTON COUNTY, GA (Feb. 9, 2026) – Walton County District Attorneys Office announced that a jury had convicted two men of child sex crimes after successful prosecutions in Walton County Superior Court. Walton County Sheriff’s Office investigated both cases.

“The Walton County Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize and comment the Walton County District Attorney’s Office for its dedication and hard work in prosecuting these cases and ensuring justice was served,” WCSO said in a social media post. “The Walton County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting children and to removing those who harm them from our community.”

Walton County District Attorney Randy McGinley released the names and details of each defendant last week following each case.

“After deliberating for about 12 minutes, a Walton jury found Aaron Powell (48) guilty of two counts of child molestation involving a victim who was under the age of 6 at the time of the incidents,” McGinley said. “The jury found the defendant guilty of not only inappropriately touching the child, but also of showing the child a sexually explicit video.”

Aaron Powell

McGinley said Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office assisted WCSO in the case and the victim received services from A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center. Sentencing will come at a later date.

The second case was Ronnie Halford, 66, who was found guilty of Aggravated Child Molestation, Child Molestation, Aggravated Sexual Battery, Sexual Battery of a Child Under 16, and Simple Battery.

Ronnie Halford

“The incident occurred in May of 2023 and the victim was a young relative of the Defendant. The victim quickly made an outcry to a family member about what the defendant had done. An investigation ensued that included DNA evidence,” McGinley said. “After the verdict, the Court proceeded to sentencing. With the victim standing next to her, Senior ADA Majors read a statement to the court of the impact these crimes had and the support she received from her family. The Court then sentenced the defendant to two consecutive life sentences followed by additional years.”

McGinley said that case also was handled by the Walton County GA Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the GBI Crime Lab and the victim also received services from A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center