THOMASVILLE — A 43-year-old Thomas County man charged with two counts of child molestation was denied bond and remains behind bars at the Thomas County Jail.

James Sutton, 118 Hyde Road, was charged Tuesday with child molestation and aggravated child molestation after a Thomas County Sheriff’s Office investigation that lasted several weeks.

Archbold Memorial Hospital emergency room staff reported the case to the sheriff’s office.

“The victim’s parents had taken the child to the ER because of injuries the victim suffered,” said Lt. Tim Watkins, sheriff’s office chief investigator.

The child underwent a forensic interview and exam at The Treehouse Children’s Advocacy Center.

“(Mr.) Sutton was identified as the suspect in the assault of the victim,” Watkins said. “We brought him in and interviewed him, and he denied it.”

Watkins said the suspect “was a family friend and had access to the child.”

Law enforcement obtained more evidence, according to authorities, and warrants were issued for Sutton. Sutton turned himself in to the sheriff’s office Tuesday and was taken into custody without incident.

Watkins said the molestation has been underway for several months, but the 12-year-old child did not report it.

Sutton is charged with child molestation and aggravated child molestation. The latter charge is because the suspect injured the child, Watkins said.

Aggravated child molestation carries a sentence of 25 years to life in prison — whether the defendant enters a plea or is convicted, the investigator said.

Jail records state that in 2015, Sutton was charged with battery. In 2017, he was charged with failure to appear in court on charges of simple assault, family violence and criminal trespassing with damages. 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820