Cekil sentenced for child sex abuse charges

HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — The District Attorney’s office has announced the sentencing of 62-year old Mehmet Cekil for sexual abuse charges in a release.

According to the DA’s office, Cekil was convicted Oct. 18 by a Houston County jury for Aggravated Child Molestation, Child Molestation and Sexual Battery to a Person under 16.

Cekil was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Katherine Lumsden to 45 years in prison, life on probation and will be on the sex offender registry for life. Trial began Oct. 16 and spanned for a day-and-a-half.

The jury found him guilty to all counts, involving two children who were 11-years old when the abuse started, taking place on several occasions. Assistant District Attorney Alicia Gassett and Assistant District Attorney Justin Duane prosecuted the case.

Both Gassett and District Attorney William Kendall spoke on the case, with gratitude to the jury, law enforcement and community organizations.

“I am so grateful for this jury for listening to the evidence, believing in the victims, and bringing Cekil to justice. The two victims in this case were so brave and courageous in taking the stand and telling this jury in detail the horrible acts done to them by Cekil. This case is a heartbreaking reminder that we must be vigilant in protecting children from predators and not ignore the signs of child sexual abuse. I’d like to thank Sgt. Bennett Lashley with the Houston County Sheriff’s office for his work in this case as well as the people at the Crescent House Child Advocacy Center,” Gassett said.

“The heinous people who do these kinds of acts to children should know that our office does not take these matters lightly, and we will do everything in our legal and ethical ability to seek lengthy prison sentences for them. Protection of our children is a priority. The children of our community represent our future. The display of courage brought by these victims was a glimpse into how amazing our future generation really is. To stand bravely and boldly against a terrible individual is no easy feat, but they did it,” Kendall said. “I appreciate the hard work and thorough investigation by the Houston County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Division and our amazing Special Victims Unit Prosecutors, advocates and staff. Although today we find victory in the battle against evil, it is for a short time — our mission continues. We will continue on to seek justice and serve the victims of Houston County.”

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