A Warner Robins man will spend over a decade in prison after pleading guilty to masturbating in front of a 10-year-old child.
What’s Happening: 57-year-old Jonathan Beach admitted to the crime Monday, just before his trial was set to start. A judge sentenced him to 25 years total, with 12 years behind bars and the rest on probation.
What’s Important: The crime happened in 2020, but the child didn’t report it until three years later. When the child finally came forward, they gave a detailed account to trained interviewers at the Rainbow House Children’s Resource Center in Houston County.
The Big Picture: Children often wait years to report sexual abuse. Fear, shame, and confusion keep many victims silent. Experts say delayed reporting is normal in these cases, which is why forensic interview centers like Rainbow House exist to help children tell their stories in a safe environment.
The Sources: Houston County District Attorney’s Office..
