VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - A six-week investigation has led to the arrest of a 40-year-old Valdosta man accused of sexually abusing two children over several years.

The Valdosta Police Department said detectives began investigating in August after receiving information about possible sexual abuse that occurred in Valdosta between 2019 and 2023.

Investigators identified Raphael Burns as a suspect. Police said the two victims were both under the age of 11 at the time and knew Burns. According to investigators, the children were sexually assaulted multiple times over a four-year period.

During the investigation, Valdosta detectives worked with agencies in Louisiana and Michigan, along with child advocacy centers in those states and Lowndes County.

On Sept. 24, detectives obtained 36 felony warrants for Burns, including:

• Six counts of rape
• 12 counts of aggravated child molestation
• Six counts of child molestation
• Six counts of cruelty to children in the first degree
• Six counts of sexual battery against a victim under 16

Police said Burns was living in Louisiana. With help from the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, he was arrested Sept. 30.

Burns is being held in Tangipahoa Parish while he awaits extradition to Lowndes County.

Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan praised the victims for coming forward and the agencies involved in the investigation.

“These young victims showed incredible strength and courage by coming forward and speaking out against someone they trusted, who abused them for years,” Manahan said.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Valdosta Police Department’s Bureau of Investigations at 229-293-3145.

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