Cleveland convicted of Aggravated Child Molestation

Yesterday, a Jones County Jury convicted Willie C. Cleveland of Aggravated Child Molestation and Child Molestation. The incident occurred in 2015, but it was not reported to law enforcement until 2021. The incident was originally reported to Bibb County Law Enforcement due to the listed Victim residing there; After investigation by BCSO Deputy George Witherspoon, it was determined that the crime occurred in Jones County and the case was turned over to Investigator Kenny Gleaton with The Jones County Sheriff's Office for further investigation. Following Gleaton's investigation, Cleveland was arrested for the crimes that he committed against his granddaughter.

After a short deliberation, the Jury came back with a guilty verdict on all counts on the indictment. Cleveland was sentenced by Honorable Brenda H. Trammell to twenty-five (25) years in prison followed by life on probation with all general conditions and special sex offender conditions.

Assistant District Attorney, Cara R. Fiore was the prosecutor that handled the case.