Joseph Franklin Dyson and Tessa Maryann Wilkie
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. - A Cherokee County case involving horrific acts of child abuse and molestation has come to a close with both perpetrators sentenced to lengthy prison terms.
What we know:
A two-defendant case involving sex crimes against a young child in Cherokee County has concluded following the sentencing of the second defendant on January 15, 2025. The charges in this case included child molestation (three counts), false imprisonment, cruelty to a child in the first and second degrees, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
The backstory:
The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office began investigating the case in 2021 after a 9-year-old girl disclosed being victimized by a man known to her family. The child participated in forensic interviews at Anna Crawford Children’s Center, where she described multiple incidents of sexual assault and molestation committed by Joseph Franklin Dyson, 37. The abuse occurred when the child was around seven years old.
In one particularly traumatic incident, Dyson held a gun and instructed co-defendant Tessa Maryann Wilkie, 27, to restrain the child to prevent her from escaping. Dyson then exposed himself and attempted to assault the child. The details provided by the victim were later corroborated by Wilkie during her proffer of facts.
Timeline
2021: The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office begins investigating after the victim’s disclosure.
April 19, 2024: Wilkie pleads guilty to false imprisonment and cruelty to a child in the second degree.
Oct. 24, 2024: Dyson pleads guilty to six charges, including child molestation and possession of a firearm.
Jan. 15, 2025: Wilkie is sentenced, concluding the case.
Sentencing Details
Dyson was sentenced to 50 years, with the first 23 years to be served in prison and the remainder on probation. He must register as a sex offender, have no contact with the victim, obtain a psychosexual evaluation, and adhere to sex offender special conditions as well as standard probation conditions.
Wilkie’s sentencing took place on Jan. 15 after arguments from both the State and the Defense. Superior Court Judge Jennifer Davis sentenced her to 20 years, with the first five years to be served in prison and the remainder on probation. Wilkie is also required to register as a sex offender, have no contact with the victim or her mother, and follow sex offender special conditions and standard probation conditions.
What they're saying:
"This very young child was afraid that she would be in trouble if she told someone what happened to her, which is often the case for child victims of violent crimes. We are forever thankful that she disclosed the abuse and received the help she needed," said Assistant District Attorney Meaghan Frankish, who prosecuted the case on behalf of the State. "Anna Crawford Children’s Center and their experienced forensic interviewers were able to lend incredible support to the victim during such a difficult time."
Why you should care:
This case underscores the importance of supporting victims of child abuse and ensuring justice is served. It highlights the critical role that forensic interview centers, law enforcement, and legal professionals play in addressing and prosecuting crimes against children.
What's next:
Both defendants will serve their sentences under strict conditions and will remain on the sex offender registry. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to protect vulnerable children and support survivors of abuse.