Lopez

THOMASVILLE — A 45-year-old Thomas County man was arrested Thursday after admitting to victims’ rape and child molestation allegations, the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office chief investigator said.

Fernando Lopez, 5075 Summerhill Road, is charged with rape and child molestation in incidents that took place several years ago, Lt. Tim Watkins said.

“This was a historical case with the victim’s disclosure this week to a family member that Lopez had molested the victim several years prior,” Watkins said.

The victim who came forward told investigators there possibly was a second victim.

The victim was interviewed at the Treehouse.

“A second victim then came forward and disclosed during a forensic interview that Lopez had raped that victim,” Watkins said. “Lopez was interviewed at the sheriff’s office by the case investigator and admitted to the assaults on both victims,” Watkins said.

Victims, who are now in their teens and 20s, allege the crimes took place at the suspect’s residence.

“We always encourage victims to disclose to somebody they feel comfortable with,” Watkins said. “We will listen to them and work for them.”

Lopez is being held at the Thomas County Jail. He is awaiting a Superior Court bond hearing. 

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