(Lawrenceville, Ga., 6/18/25) – A man pled to a 30-year prison sentence when he admitted to sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl.

William J. McCleod, 33, pled guilty to rape, aggravated child molestation, and child molestation for assaulting the child in September 2022. He accepted a sentence that includes 30 years in prison followed by life on probation, during which he must be registered as a sex offender.

“This victim was very brave for speaking up and telling the truth about the assault,” District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “As a result of her bravery, this defendant must pay severe consequences for his vile actions. Justice is served, and we hope this victim and her family can heal from this assault and thrive.”

On the evening of Sept. 27, 2022, the defendant texted the teen and asked her to come into the room where he was. When she entered the room, he sexually assaulted her. The next morning, the girl told her mother who immediately reported the incident to the Gwinnett County Police Department. The child was interviewed by investigators and underwent a sexual assault examination that collected the defendant’s DNA.

McCleod was indicted in December 2022, and a trial was set for the end of June. But before the victim would have to endure giving testimony at trial, the defendant pled guilty to all the charges against him. Both the victim and her mother were present when a judge accepted the defendant’s plea.

Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Wanda Vance led the trial team that also consisted of DA’s Special Victims Unit Investigator LaShonda Williams and SVU Victim Advocate Rocio Pineda. The Gwinnett County Police Department and assistance from Mosaic Georgia were invaluable in closing the case.