6 arrested on child molestation charges in Barrow County, sheriff’s office says

BARROW COUNTY, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Six people were arrested on child molestation charges in Barrow County on Tuesday morning, according to the sheriff’s office.

The Barrow County Sheriff’s Office said their deputies and several other law enforcement agencies served search warrants early Tuesday morning stemming from a monthslong investigation into allegations of child molestation.

They said six suspects were arrested at four different locations, including a Waffle House, for offenses which allegedly occurred at a home on Englewood Road in Winder over a period of around five years.

“It was in the home. Horrendous. It was evil – that’s the best I can tell you,” said Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith. “These people that did this do not need to be out in the public with the regular folks.”

Smith said four children, ages 3 to 12, are the victims.

“It has taken a toll on us. It has taken a toll on our investigators,” Smith said. “No child, no human should be treated the way they were.”

The sheriff’s office said the suspects, their charges and the locations of their arrests are:

• Paul Andrew Bean, 32, of Winder. He’s charged with multiple counts of child molestation, sodomy, aggravated sexual battery and cruelty to children. Additional charges are pending. He was arrested at The Whits Inn at 4648 Lawrenceville Road in Loganville.

• Ashley Nicole Neese, 22, of Winder. She’s charged with multiple counts of child molestation, and cruelty to children. She was arrested at 121 Hunter Road in Jefferson.

• Kavin Eugene Neese, 55, of Winder. He’s charged with multiple counts of child molestation, false imprisonment, aggravated sexual battery, and cruelty to children. He was arrested at 276 Nathaniel Drive in Jefferson.

• Jerry Lee Neese Jr., 24, of Winder. He’s charged with multiple counts of child molestation, aggravated sexual battery, and cruelty to children. He was arrested at 121 Hunter Road in Jefferson.

• Keith Allen Neese, 57, of Winder. He’s charged with multiple counts of child molestation and aggravated sexual battery. He was arrested at the Waffle House on 7415 Spout Springs Road in Flowery Branch.

• Felisa Michelle Bailey, 50, of Winder. She’s charged with multiple counts of child molestation and cruelty to children. She was arrested at the Waffle House at 7415 Spout Springs Road in Flowery Branch.

The sheriff’s office said their investigation began when the four juveniles told them about allegations of sexual abuse after they were removed from the home on Hunter Road by the Department of Family & Children Services (DFCS).

“I want to thank the Loganville Police Department, and the Jackson County and Hall County Sheriff’s Offices for their assistance in getting these suspects behind bars,” Smith said in a statement Tuesday announcing the arrests. “The effort to arrest these suspects simultaneously at four different locations required incredible coordination between our deputies and law enforcement partners.”

The sheriff’s office said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges against all six suspects are expected.