Peach County jury convicts man of child molestation after years-long case

Michael Todd Durham was convicted of molesting a 13-year-old family member, with two others testifying about prior abuse.

FORT VALLEY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Peach County jury found a 57-year-old man guilty of child molestation on Friday after a years-long case involving sexual abuse of young family members.

According to a news release from Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney Anita Howard’s office, Michael Todd Durham was convicted of molesting a 13-year-old family member in 2017. During the trial, two other relatives testified that Durham also had inappropriate sexual contact with them when they were ages 7 and 13.

The district attorney’s office said prosecutors overcame several challenges in the case, including witness intimidation by a defense investigator and the length of time since the abuse occurred. Despite those obstacles, the victim returned to Peach County from out of state to testify before the jury, the release said.

“This conviction represents our unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community,” District Attorney Howard said. “While this case presented significant challenges, our dedicated Team worked tirelessly to ensure this brave victim received the justice she deserved. I am so proud of her and the two other witnesses who demonstrated incredible courage to participate in this trial. We will continue to pursue every avenue available to hold those who harm children accountable for their actions.”

Durham was taken into custody after the verdict. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. The maximum sentence for child molestation is 20 years in prison.