THOMASVILLE, Ga. (WALB) - A Thomas County judge has denied a plea deal that would have allowed a man accused of molesting a child to avoid jail time and avoid registering as a sex offender, a decision that comes after the victim, now 18, chose to come forward publicly.

Artis Johnson Jr. was arrested in 2018 after his girlfriend’s granddaughter contracted a sexually transmitted disease. According to the victim, Ja’Khia Wyche, the alleged abuse started when she was 7 years old.

The proposed plea deal would have reduced the charges to assault with 10 years of probation, no jail time and no requirement to register as a sex offender, according to the victim’s father.

Victim speaks out publicly

Ja’Khia Wyche, now 18, has decided to speak publicly about the case, a move her family describes as an act of courage. Her parents expressed frustration with the original plea negotiations.

“This is every parent’s nightmare and it’s happening here in Thomas County right now,” the victim’s father said.

Case details and legal proceedings

Court documents show Johnson was not appointed a public defender but retained three lawyers from two separate law firms in Valdosta.

According to documents that WALB obtained from the Thomas County Superior Court, Johnson was arrested for cocaine possession while out on bond for the child molestation charge.

Family and community response

The victim’s parents have been vocal about their opposition to the original plea deal. Even Johnson’s own sister, who works as a doctor, has spoken out against the proposed agreement.

“This is taking too long, he should’ve been arrested and convicted a long time ago and she’s proud of Ja’Khia for standing up,” Johnson’s sister, Stephanie Clovinson said.

The judge’s denial of the plea deal means the case will proceed through the court system, with the possibility of a trial and more severe penalties if Johnson is convicted.

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