Sexual Child Predator Convicted and Sentenced to Life in Prison after an Earlier Mistrial Due to Juror Misconduct

After a mistrial earlier in February due to juror misconduct, LeCharles Harrell, 33, was found Guilty on Thursday of Aggravated Child Molestation and Child Molestation by another Bibb County jury, who deliberated about an hour before returning their verdict.

In presenting this case for the second time in a month, the prosecution was faced with several challenges. Due to the stress of the trial, one victim, now age 14, suffered a medical emergency on the witness stand and was unable to complete her testimony. The charge related to the crime committed against her was removed from the jury’s consideration.

There was also evidence that Harrell’s extended family brought significant pressure on another victim’s guardian not to cooperate in the trial. Harrell was that victim’s first cousin and in his late twenties when he briefly resided with the victim’s family. Even though that victim, now 15 years old, also had difficulties with her courtroom testimony, her previous forensic interview was played for the jury. The video testimony was overwhelmingly compelling as she described how Harrell touched her private areas and made her sodomize him when she was six years old. The jury found Harrell Guilty of all charges as to this child, and because the State had previously filed notice of his prior record with the Court, he was sentenced to life in prison.

“We, in the District Attorney’s Office, know how difficult these types of cases can be, especially when these acts occur among trusted family members. It is extremely difficult for a child to take the witness stand in a courtroom and to talk about the appalling acts that have been forced upon them. Our victim advocates and our emotional support dog, Lamar, are always ready to lend a helping hand or paw of strength and support for these most special victims.” DA Howard

The Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office thanks the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office for its investigation and prosecution assistance in bringing a measure of justice for these young victims. We especially thank our victim herself for the heartwarming words that she sent to one of our investigators following the trial: “Thank you guys for paying attention and believing us.”