Brooks County, GA (October 2, 2026) - The GBI has arrested and charged Ricardo Boatman, age 34, of Quitman, GA, with one count of Child Molestation and one count of Incest. The GBI has also arrested and charged Lavon Thurston, age 70, Terrilyn Thurston, age 67, and Ariel Boatman, age 37, all of Quitman, GA, with felony 2nd Degree Cruelty to a Child.

On February 11, 2026, the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office requested the GBI to investigate the pregnancy of a minor. Through the investigation, agents identified Boatman as a suspect.

Boatman was arrested on September 23, 2026, and booked into the Brooks County Jail.

Lavon Thurston, Terrilyn Thurston, and Ariel Boatman were arrested on October 1, 2026, and booked into the Brooks County Jail.

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Thomasville at (229) 225-4090. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling the GBI Tipline at 800-597-TIPS(8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile application.

This case will be prosecuted by the Southern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Contact

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Zach Johnson

[email protected]