Guilty Plea in Abuse Case – Newton County
A significant development has emerged in the case of a Covington man accused of egregious child abuse. On September 12, 2024, Attorney General Tim Griffin announced a guilty plea in the abuse case, marking a crucial milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims.
Ronnie Maxwell, the 55-year-old perpetrator, has entered a guilty plea after being indicted on 16 counts related to sexual assault and child molestation. This marks Maxwell’s second conviction for similar crimes. His first conviction, in 2003, resulted in a 30-year sentence with 15 years in confinement, along with the requirement to register as a sex offender.
The current case began when another child victim came forward in 2021. An investigation by the Newton County Sheriff’s Office led to the discovery of additional victims. The victims in this case were six and three years old at the time of the abuse in 2021. Maxwell was caught after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase and attempting to flee on foot. His extensive list of charges includes rape, aggravated child molestation, and many other offenses. By pleading guilty to all counts, Maxwell has been sentenced to life in prison, thereby ensuring he will not pose a threat to any more children in the future.
