A Toccoa man is behind bars following an investigation that began with a report from Michigan authorities alleging child molestation that occurred in Stephens County nearly a decade ago.
Investigators with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) say they were contacted by the Michigan State Police regarding a disclosure made by a juvenile female. According to the report, the victim said an adult male engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with her between 2016 and 2017 while in Stephens County.
Michigan authorities contacted local investigators after determining the alleged abuse took place in Georgia, where the suspect resides.
SCSO investigators interviewed the suspect, identified as 67-year-old Doyle McLaughlin of Toccoa. After the interview, investigators determined there was probable cause to issue arrest warrants for McLaughlin on charges of child molestation and enticing a child for indecent purposes.
On the afternoon of August 5, deputies with the SCSO Crime Suppression Unit attempted to arrest McLaughlin at his workplace but were informed he had called in sick. Investigators then proceeded to a residence on South Pond Street, where McLaughlin was known to stay. After receiving consent to search the property, deputies located McLaughlin exiting the basement and took him into custody without incident.
He was booked into the Stephens County Jail, where he remains held on a $50,000 bond set by a magistrate judge.
The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office emphasized its commitment to thoroughly investigating all reports of child molestation and sexual crimes. Community members who witness or experience suspicious behavior are encouraged to report it by calling the Criminal Investigations Division at 706-886-7048, using the department’s mobile app or social media platforms, or calling the non-emergency line at 706- 779-3911.
To monitor registered sex offenders in Stephens County, visit the “Sex Offenders” tab on the SCSO mobile app or go to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation website: https://state.sor.gbi.ga.gov/sort_public/.
