A 45-year-old Millen man charged with sexually assaulting a teen with Down syndrome has been sentenced.
Uriah Alexander Grant will spend up to 25 years in prison followed by a lifetime on probation as a sex offender, Augusta Judicial Circuit District Attorney Jared Williams announced July 3.
Grant was charged with aggravated sexual battery and first-degree cruelty to children.
“Justice has finally been achieved for such a vulnerable victim, and this predator is finally behind bars,” Assistant District Attorney Gabe Gonzalez-Acevedo said.
July 3 marked four years ago to the day that prosecutors say Grant forced himself on the girl, who testified in court about her memories of that night.
Already had a warrant: Bond denied in alleged sexual assault on mentally challenged teen
Assistant District Attorney Tom Watkins described the incident in court in 2021. He said Grant attended a party at the victim’s home, but the victim wasn’t taking part in the festivities. She was staying in her bedroom. The 17-year-old has the mental capacity of a 7-year-old, Watkins said.
The girl’s mother, not having seen Grant at the party for some time, found him in the girl’s room, lights out and his pants down, according to Watkins.
“The defendant originally admitted to sexually engaging with the victim but attempted to place the blame on the developmentally disabled child,” Williams said in prepared remarks. “At trial, he changed his story and claimed he never touched her.”
At the time of his arrest, Grant had been free on bond in a Burke County felony case. He faced charges of false imprisonment, family violence battery, obstruction of an officer and third-degree cruelty to children.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Millen man gets 25 years in jail for attack on girl with Down syndrome