Middle Georgia man sentenced to 60 years after pleading guilty to multiple counts of child molestation
62-year-old Michael Elsasser pleaded guilty on Friday, December 1 in Crawford County Superior Court to three counts of child molestation ahead of a trial that was scheduled to begin on Monday involving allegations of a pattern of abuse spanning several years, multiple victims and multiple jurisdictions.
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Middle Georgia man was sentenced to 60 years last week—with the first 50 to be spent in prison—after pleading guilty to multiple counts of child molestation.
A Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office news release says 62-year-old Michael Elsasser pleaded guilty on Friday, December 1 in Crawford County Superior Court to three counts of child molestation ahead of a trial that was scheduled to begin on Monday involving allegations of a pattern of abuse spanning several years, multiple victims and multiple jurisdictions.
The DA’s Office says the case against Elsasser began in the fall of 2019 following initial disclosures by the victims. Forensic interviews were conducted, leading to an investigation with the assistance of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). The DA’s Office says law enforcement was able to substantiate the victims’ claims, resulting in charges being filed against Elsasser in both Crawford and Peach Counties.
On Friday, Elsasser pleaded guilty to two counts of child molestation in Crawford County and one count in Peach County.
“I grieve for the lost innocence of these three young girls but am so very thankful for their bravery in disclosing the wrongs that were done to them and for the support they have received from their families,” District Attorney Anita Howard said. “These victims were a vital part of bringing this heinous crime to light and ensuring this Defendant was brought to justice. I pray they and their families can now have a measure of closure and can begin a healing journey.”
The DA’s office thanked the GBI, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and the forensic interviewers at the Crescent House for their help in the case.
