QUITMAN, Ga. (WALB) — The GBI arrested and charged multiple people following a child molestation investigation.

According to the GBI, Ricardo Boatman, 34, of Quitman, was charged with one count of child molestation and one count of incest.

Lavon Thurston, 70, Terrilyn Thurston, 67, and Ariel Boatman, 37, all of Quitman, were charged with felony second-degree cruelty to a child.

On Feb. 11, 2026, the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office requested the GBI investigate the pregnancy of a minor. During the investigation, agents identified Boatman as a suspect.

Boatman was arrested on Sept. 23, 2026, and booked into the Brooks County Jail.

Lavon Thurston, Terrilyn Thurston and Ariel Boatman were arrested on Oct. 1, and booked into the Brooks County Jail, according to the GBI.

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