Warner Robins man sentenced to 19 years for child molestation

Layton will be required to register as a sex offender for life following his release.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Warner Robins man will spend 19 years in prison after pleading guilty to child molestation and sexual exploitation of children in a case involving lewd images of a child, according to the Houston County District Attorney’s Office.

64-year-old Leroy Davis Layton pleaded guilty Monday in Houston County Superior Court, just before jury selection was scheduled to begin for his trial.

Layton was sentenced to 20 years, with the first 19 years to be served in prison and the remaining year on probation. The district attorney’s office said Layton will be required to register as a sex offender for life following his release.

The investigation began in March 2025, when the victim was 10 years old and living in Layton’s home with an adult family member. Prosecutors described Layton as a family friend.

According to the district attorney’s office, the adult family member found nude images of the child taken by Layton on an iPad he had given the child. The family member also discovered nude images of Layton that prosecutors said he sent to the child and immediately contacted law enforcement.

During the investigation, the child told investigators Layton had been taking the photos for nearly two years, according to the district attorney’s office.

District Attorney Eric Edwards released the following statement:

“Children should never have to fear exploitation at the hands of the adults they trust. This defendant abused a position of trust to manipulate and exploit a ten-year-old child over an extended period of time, creating images that no child should ever be subjected to. This case also serves as a reminder of the critical role that attentive adults play in protecting children. Because a vigilant family member recognized that something was wrong, examined the child’s device, and immediately contacted law enforcement, this abuse was brought to an end. Their willingness to act undoubtedly spared this child from further victimization. I am grateful for the outstanding work of Sgt. Bennett Lashley and the Houston County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Investigations Division, as well as Assistant District Attorney Brandi Holland for her prosecution of this case. Our office will continue to pursue the strongest penalties available under the law against those who prey upon children, and we encourage every adult to speak up immediately whenever they suspect a child may be the victim of abuse. It can make all the difference.”