Houston County man sentenced for aggravated child molestation

Matthew Delp was sentenced to 25 years in prison without parole, followed by life on probation. After Delp's release he will be required to register as a sex offender.

HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Houston County District Attorney’s Office stated in a news release that 40-year-old Matthew Ralph Delp pleaded guilty to aggravated child molestation.

According to the news release, Delp sexually abused a minor in November of 2021.

Delp was sentenced to 25 years in prison without parole, followed by life on probation. After Delp’s release he will be required to register as a sex offender.

Assistant District Attorney Justin C. Duane released the following statement:

“This is a rare case where we had DNA evidence- we normally don’t have DNA in these types of cases. I’m glad that Mr. Delp took responsibility for his disgusting actions and I’m grateful that the child can close this chapter of her life. Mr. Delp had no criminal history and was an otherwise upstanding member of the community. This case demonstrates that the perpetrators of sexual abuse on children can be those you least expect. I am grateful for Sgt. Hilton’s hard work on this case and for the work of the Crescent House Child Advocacy Center.”

District Attorney William Kendall also released a statement:

“Our children are our future, we must protect them and be their voice in the court of law. In this case, the Defendant opted out of trial in the 11th hour and took a plea which will keep him locked up behind bars and out of our society for the next 25 years without the opportunity of parole. Our world can be dark at times, and it is up to our community, law enforcement and prosecutors to bring back a bit of light. We cannot undo the heinous acts that have been done, but we hope this helps provide some closure and comfort to our victim and the family.”