Daugherty Sentenced to 30 years

State Attorney Bill Eddins announced today that Billy Thomas Daugherty has been sentenced by the Honorable Kelvin Wells to 30 years Department of Corrections for the crime of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation on child under 12 and 5 years Department of  Corrections consecutive for the charge of Solicitation for Sexual Battery while in familial or custodial authority for a total of 35 years. The first offense of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation on child under 12 carries a 25 year minimum mandatory sentence followed by life probation with electronic monitor. The defendant is required to register as a sexual predator for life and no contact with the victim or any children.
Billy Thomas Daugherty was convicted by a jury on August 16, 2012. Testimony at trial from the 5 year old victim about the acts committed on him at the age of 4 years. In August 2011, the defendant’s four-year-old family member disclosed that the defendant committed various sexual acts on him while the child spent the night with the defendant.
The child’s mother reported the disclosure to Walton County Sheriff’s Office. The Mother of the victim was pleased that the defendant received the maximum sentence and will not be allowed future contact with her son or any children.
The investigation and arrest was conducted by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant State Attorney Jennifer Lieb prosecuted the case. For further information contact her at 850-833-9237 Ext 225.