Former public safety official convicted of child sexual assault sentenced to 20 years in prison without parole

Released today by the Alcovy Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office:’

On Monday, August 18, 2025, Samuel “Ray” Ham entered a plea of guilty to 3 counts of Aggravated Sexual Battery, 4 counts Child Molestation, and 1 count of Grooming of a Minor for a Sexual Offense. The plea hearing was attended by numerous supporters of the victim.

Victim impact statements were read in court so that the Judge, and the Defendant, could hear the impact of his crimes. The Defendant, who is 59, was sentenced to 20 years in prison without parole, followed by life on probation.

This sentence was approved by the victim and the family as an appropriate outcome for the criminal case.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Cliff Howard, Victim Services Director Kim Kelly,, Chief Investigator Josh Chambers, and Legal Assistant Heather Johnson. The arrest and investigation were handled by the GBI and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. The victim received services from A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center.

The arrest in this matter was made on April 13, 2025, shortly after a report was made to law enforcement. The case was presented to the Walton County Grand Jury on June 27, 2025, and the Defendant was arraigned on June 30.

“The hard work of law enforcement and the prosecution team led to the Defendant pleading guilty very early in the court process. I commend their dedication, but nothing is as inspiring as the strength the victim, the family, and the supporters have shown over the last four plus months.

It cannot be ignored that the Defendant was a former, long time law enforcement officer, including in high level positions. And those in law enforcement are in a position of trust in our communities, especially when it comes to protecting children. This Defendant betrayed that trust and betrayed all those that he has worked with over the years.

But to be clear, this betrayal pales in comparison with how his actions betrayed those he directly harmed.“

Randy McGinley

District Attorney

Alcovy Judicial Circuit

Newton County Distric