DA: Guilty plea leads to 60-year sentence in Jones County child molestation case

The Ocmulgee District Attorney’s Office says Ross will spend the first 30 years in state custody after pleading guilty to three counts.

JONES COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A 51-year-old man was sentenced Thursday to 60 years after pleading guilty to three counts of child molestation in Jones County Superior Court.

Brian Ross will serve the first 30 years of his sentence in the Georgia Department of Corrections, according to the Ocmulgee District Attorney’s Office. The release did not specify how Ross will serve the remaining 30 years.

The district attorney’s office said a Jones County Sheriff’s Office deputy was sent to Ross’ home September 12, 2025.

According to the release, Ross was in his backyard holding a pistol and threatening to harm himself. Law enforcement persuaded him to surrender.

Prosecutors said the investigation uncovered sexual abuse of the victim that spanned several years before Ross’ arrest.

During the arrest, Ross described himself as disgusting and his actions as unforgivable, according to the district attorney’s office. The release said Ross also told law enforcement that everything the victim said was true.

Prosecutors said Ross gradually groomed the victim and escalated the abuse over time.

“We commend our victim for her bravery and courage,” the district attorney’s office said. “We also would like to thank Lt. Travis Walker, the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, and the Crescent House for their work on this case.”