Lithonia Man Convicted of Rape, Child Molestation Involving Two Victims:

Late yesterday, July 17, 2025, a Newton County jury found Solomon Denham of Rape, Aggravated Sexual Battery, Aggravated Child Molestation, and 9 counts of Child Molestation involving two minor victims, one under 14 years of age and the other under 10 years of age.

The abuse occurred over months in 2020 in Newton County. It was reported in late 2021, with more disclosures of abuse coming as the investigation continued.

Soloman Denham

The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Amber Dally, Deputy Chief Investigator Jill Lumpkin, Victim Advocate Madison Sanders, Trial Assistant Danielle Miller, and Legal Assistant Anna Sugg. The investigation and arrest were handled by the Covington Police Department. The victims received services from A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center.  

After the verdict, the Court ordered that a pre-sentence investigation be completed and set sentencing for a later date.

"I commend all those involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case. But justice could not have been obtained without the bravery of the survivors of this abuse to come forward and then come into court and testify about the Defendant’s actions.”

Randy McGinley

District Attorney

Alcovy Judicial Circuit

Conviction in December 2023 Salem Road Walmart Shooting:

Yesterday, July 17, 2025, a Newton County jury found David Ruffin, Jr. guilty of Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Felony, Tampering with Evidence, and Criminal Trespass. After the jury returned that verdict, they continued deliberating on additional charges. However, during the juries deliberation on those charges, the Defendant pleaded guilty to the offenses of Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon During a Crime and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

David Ruffin

On December 30, 2023, an employee of the Salem Road Walmart in Covington got into an altercation with Ruffin's mother. Ruffin became involved and then assaulted and shot the Walmart employee. Multiple witnesses called 911 to report the shooting that occurred in the parking lot. At trial, the Defendant claimed that he was acting in defense of his mother. However, the evidence presented led to the jury clearly rejecting this claim.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Brooks, Trial Assistant Danielle Miller, Investigator Colin Cunningham, Victim Advocate Sophie Conner, and Legal Assistant Desiree Kozikowski. The investigation and arrest was handled by the Newton County Sheriff's Office.

Ruffin, who was a convicted felon at the time, remains in custody for a sentencing hearing at a later date.

"The District Attorney's Office is committed to prosecuting violent offenses that put our communities at risk. I am proud of the prosecution team, my entire office, local law enforcement, and the members of the public who called 911 and cooperated with law enforcement."

District Attorney Randy McGinley

Alcovy Judicial Circuit

District Attorney Investigator Yarbrough Honored as Gang Investigator of the Year:

This week, at the Georgia Gang Investigators Association Summer Conference, Deputy Chief Investigator Eric Yarbrough was presented with the Regional Investigator of the Year award for the Eastern Region of Georgia.

District Attorney's Office Deputy Chief Investigator Eric Yarbrough

The Georgia Gang Investigator’s Association trains, provides intelligence, and facilitates corroboration among law enforcement and prosecutor agencies throughout the state. This award acknowledges Investigator Yarbrough’s deep commitment and hard work in investigating gang crimes and illegal gang activity in not just Walton County, but in the surrounding areas.

The award was presented to Investigator Yarbrough by GBI Special Agent and Regional Gang Specialist Ashleigh Isaacson.

“Investigator Yarbrough has consistently been, not just one of the hardest working individuals in all of law enforcement in our Circuit, and the entire State of Georgia. He is committed to doing the right thing and will stop at nothing to achieve justice for victims and our communities.

Investigator Yarbrough has never believed that a case coming to the District Attorney’s Office is the complete story. He will always go above and beyond to continue digging to find more information. I cannot think of someone more deserving of being honored with this award.

Walton County is a safter place because of Investigator Yarbrough. The entire DA’s Office is proud and honored to be able to work alongside him.

Randy McGinley

District Attorney

Alcovy Judicial Circuit