Effingham County jury convicts man on sex crime charges involving a child

EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - An Effingham County jury on Tuesday convicted Jacob Edgar Knowlton of rape, aggravated sodomy and child molestation in connection with crimes against an 11-year-old girl between January and November 2023, according to the district attorney’s office.

Sentencing and penalties

Sentencing is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 5, before Chief Superior Court Judge Michael T. Muldrew.

The rape and aggravated sodomy convictions each carry a maximum penalty of life in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 25 years to serve without the possibility of parole. The child molestation conviction carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, the district attorney’s office said.

Knowlton will be required to register as a sex offender for life, the office said.

Evidence presented at trial

During the two-day trial, Chief Assistant District Attorney Benjamin T. Edwards presented evidence showing that in November 2023, the girl reported being sexually abused, according to the district attorney’s office.

A subsequent investigation confirmed that Knowlton forced the girl to engage in sexual acts on multiple occasions, the office said.

District attorney’s statement

“The District Attorney’s Office extends its utmost gratitude to the Rincon Police Department and the Statesboro Regional Sexual Assault and Child Advocacy Center for their thorough and diligent investigation in this case,” Sumner said. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victim and her family as they continue the healing process, and we hope this verdict brings a measure of justice, peace, and closure to this horrible situation.”