Cherokee County man found guilty of rape and child sex crimes, officials say

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A man was found guilty Thursday of committing several rape and child sex crimes in Canton and Woodstock, according to authorities.

Reyes Hernandez-Macario, 26, was found guilty of two counts of rape, two counts of child molestation, two counts of false imprisonment and two counts of cruelty to children in the first degree.

Sentencing will be held at a later date, according to the district attorney’s office.

The case began in August 2023, when police investigated a report that Hernandez-Macario had sexually abused a child months earlier.

The child told investigators that after a youth service, Hernandez-Macario dropped off the other children and left her alone with him in a van. She said Hernandez-Macario locked the doors when she tried to get out and then sexually assaulted her. Investigators said Hernandez-Macario warned her not to tell anyone.

In September 2023, Woodstock police received a separate report involving another child. During an interview, the child described circumstances that authorities said were similar, including the use of force. She said Hernandez-Macario was alone with her inside her family’s home when he grabbed her and covered her mouth to stop her from calling for help. She told investigators Hernandez-Macario threatened to harm her family if she reported it.

Authorities said that incident happened in September 2022.

Officials said Hernandez-Macario knew both children and served as a youth pastor who was responsible for transporting children to youth services.

An arrest warrant was obtained on Oct. 20, 2023. Two days later, Hernandez-Macario was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as he attempted to board a flight to Guatemala. He was taken to the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center.

During the four-day trial, jurors heard testimony from 18 witnesses, including law enforcement, medical professionals, child abuse experts, the victims and family members. Prosecutors also introduced 37 exhibits, including recorded forensic interviews of both children.

The jury deliberated for about two hours before returning the guilty verdicts.