(Marietta, GA – June 28, 2024) — Cobb County District Attorney Flynn D. Broady Jr. announces that James Westly, 41, has been found guilty of rape and three counts of child molestation. Superior Court Judge Ann B. Harris has sentenced Westly to life in prison.

In March 2023, the Cobb County Police Department Special Victims Unit began investigating a report of rape and child molestation made by the victim's mother. The female victim, under the age of 16, reported that she had been repeatedly molested by Westly between 2021, and 2022.

The victim disclosed to her mother that the defendant had been touching different parts of her body and raping her. Westly denied that the victim had been at his house during the reported incidents; however, cell phone records obtained by Cobb County detectives confirmed the victim's location.

In 2003, Westly was convicted in Fulton County for aggravated child molestation and child molestation against relatives in Atlanta. He was convicted after a trial and spent 10 years in prison. Those victims were permitted to testify in this trial and described similar abuse by the defendant.

"We are deeply inspired by the victim's bravery in coming forward to speak out against her abuser. Her courage was instrumental in securing justice and ensuring that the perpetrator can no longer harm others," said District Attorney Flynn D. Broady Jr.

Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Lindsay Raynor prosecuted the case on behalf of the state. The defendant was represented by Sylvia Goldman.

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