Burns Gets Life in Prison
State Attorney Bill Eddins announced that on August 7, 2012, a Walton County Jury found Paul Burns guilty of Sexual Battery on a victim under 12 years of age. Circuit Judge Kelvin C. Wells immediately sentenced Burns to life in prison.
The victim, a 10 year-old autistic child testified at trial that Burns had sexually molested her. A family member also testified that she was molested by him when she was 10 years old. In addition to the life sentence, Burns was designated a sexual predator.
The parents of the victim were elated with the verdict and grateful for a sentence that will ensure that the defendant will not be able to molest their child or any other children in the future.
The investigation and arrest were conducted by Investigator Steve Sunday with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Children’s Advocacy Center.
Assistant State Attorney Jennifer A. Lieb prosecuted the case. For further information, please contact her at 850-833-9237 ext 225.
