NEWTON COUNTY – A repeat sex offender has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for a number of sexual related offenses that occurred in Newton County, per a press release from the Newton County District Attorney’s Office.

Derrick Alan Crooms, 47, was charged with four counts of rape, three counts of incest, seven counts of aggravated child molestation, two counts of aggravated sexual battery, five counts of child molestation and one count of enticing a child for indecent purposes.

Crooms pleaded guilty to all charges on Sept. 27 and was sentenced on Nov. 14.

Back in 2020, a family member of one of the victims contacted the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office stating that Crooms had molested several minor girls. After collaborating with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), it was discovered that the majority of the crimes occurred in Newton County.

Crooms had previously been convicted of child molestation back in 1996.

“Every day, prosecutors, investigators, and victim advocates deal with the worst crimes people commit against one another, including those against children.” said Randy McGilney, Alcovy Judicial District Attorney via a press release. “Even while seeing the worst of humanity, there are cases, like this one, that shock us all. The bravery of the victims in this case cannot be overstated. It’s hard to imagine the strength needed to confront their abuser and share their thoughts in open court. They were able to not only tell the defendant how his abuse affected them, but that they are all strong enough to move on.”

“I want to thank GBI special agent Haylee Peacock and former Newton County Investigator Adrianne Roop for their work on the case.”