Centerville man sentenced to life for sexual battery

CENTERVILLE — A man faces life in prison for attacking his girlfriend, according to the Houston County District Attorney’s Office.

Gary Shannon, 42, of Centerville, was sentenced to life on April 27 in Houston County Superior Court after a three-day jury trial earlier this month. Shannon was found guilty of sexual battery, aggravated assault and false imprisonment.

The domestic violence incident the charges stem from took place on Nov. 3, 2022. Prosecutors said Shannon strangled his long-term girlfriend to the point of passing out, struck her, and performed sexual acts against her. During the attack, he kept her confined to her bedroom.

The victim escaped and alerted law enforcement after the assault continued for an hour. DNA evidence was presented during trial which supported the case.

Sgt. Chad Pierce of the Warner Robins Police Department investigated the case. 

Shannon was sentenced by Judge G.E. “Bo” Adams and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Brandi Holland and Liza McDaniel. 

Holland and District Attorney Eric Edwards provided comments.

Holland said, “Although intimate partner violence and sexual violence are difficult topics to discuss, especially together, they remain among the most serious issues affecting our society. The victim in this case suffered at the hands of the defendant for years, too afraid to leave for many reasons, but this was the final straw. She stood up for herself against her abuser and alerted the authorities. 

“Thanks to the tireless efforts of Sgt. Chad Pierce and the Warner Robins Police Department, justice was served. A special thanks to the Crisis Line & Safe House of Central Georgia, who provided so much care and support in this case and continue to provide for the community every day for so many people.”

Edwards said, “This case represents one of the most serious forms of violence we prosecute where domestic abuse escalates into sexual violence and life-threatening physical harm. The defendant’s actions in this case were prolonged, deliberate, demeaning, and extraordinarily dangerous.

“Crimes like this occur behind closed doors, and they often persist because victims are isolated, controlled, and afraid. The courage it takes to break that cycle and come forward cannot be overstated. In this case, the victim’s strength, combined with the work of law enforcement and the evidence presented at trial, ensured that the truth was heard and justice was delivered.

“I am grateful for the work of the Warner Robins Police Department, particularly Sgt. Chad Pierce, and for the prosecution of this case by Assistant District Attorneys Brandi Holland and Liza McDaniel. The life sentence imposed reflects the severity of this conduct and our unwavering commitment to holding those who commit acts of this nature accountable.”