Swainsboro, GA (January 9, 2019) – On Tuesday, January 8, 2019, the GBI arrested John Vernon Welch, 49, of Lyons, GA on charges of six counts of child molestation and two counts of aggravated child molestation. 

On October 5, 2018, the GBI was requested by the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office to investigate an allegation made against Welch of sexual assault against a minor. The investigation revealed that Welch engaged in sexual acts with multiple underage females on numerous occasions. As a result, Welch was arrested and booked in to the Emanuel County Jail without incident.

The GBI investigation is active and ongoing with possible additional charges. Anyone with information in this case is asked to call the GBI Eastman Office at 478-374-6988 or the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office at 478-237-7526.   

Contact Information:

Lindsey Wilkes - Special Agent in Charge or Joshua Alford - Assistant Special Agent in Charge - 478-374-6988