Henry County District Attorney's Office

06/06/2026

05/20/2026

For Attorneys:

05/07/2026

Mark your calendars!
Join us for our 2nd Annual Gala & Pass the Gavel Celebration!

Date: June 26, 2026
Time: 6PM
Location: Eagles Landing Country Club, Stockbridge, GA
Attire: Formal | Black Tie Optional

This elegant evening will honor our legacy and the leaders who have helped shape it—while embracing a future of continued service above self.

The Rotary Club of Henry County is committed to making a difference locally and globally through humanitarian projects, youth programs, and community partnerships. Your support helps us continue this vital mission.

We are currently seeking event sponsors, and we would love to showcase your business or organization during this memorable night!

Don’t miss this milestone celebration—we can’t wait to see you there!

For more details:
HenryCountyRotaryGala.com

04/24/2026

Yesterday, our Victim Advocacy Unit hosted a critical training on Child Fatality Review, bringing together professionals committed to protecting our most vulnerable.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for leading this important training and for their continued partnership and expertise.

We also appreciate the collaboration of our partners from the Department of Family and Children Services, along with representatives from multiple law enforcement and prosecution agencies who participated in this session.

Working together, we strengthen our collective ability to review, learn, and act—ensuring accountability, improving systems, and ultimately safeguarding the lives of children in our communities.

03/23/2026

Earlier this month, our Crimes Against Children Unit successfully prosecuted a criminal case against Mario Garcia (57), who was convicted by a Henry County jury on March 3, 2026, for multiple s*xual offenses involving three minor victims.

During the trial, evidence was revealed that on March 14, 2023, the victims disclosed ongoing s*xual abuse that occurred during family gatherings at Garcia’s residence in McDonough, GA.

The case was tried before the Honorable Judge Danielle P. Roberts. After hearing the evidence, the jury convicted Garcia of two counts of aggravated child molestation and four counts of child molestation.

Judge Roberts sentenced Garcia to 45 years in prison, followed by life on probation. Upon release from custody, he will be required to register as a s*x offender for the remainder of his life.

03/14/2026

The Henry County District Attorney’s Office was proud to partner with the Henry County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. through their Boys Are Readers Too (BART) initiative.

Literacy is one of the most powerful tools we can give our youth. When young people read, think critically, and dream beyond their circumstances, they are better equipped to succeed in school and in life.

We are also proud to share that District Attorney Darius Pattillo was honored with the Outstanding Mentor Award by the Henry County Alumnae Chapter for his commitment to encouraging and supporting young people in our community.

Together, we remain committed to building bright futures for the young men of Henry County.



Henry County (Ga) Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta

03/13/2026

The Henry County District Attorney’s Office was proud to partner with the Henry County Rotary Club at Birch Creek Elementary School for Read Across Henry. 📚

Spending time reading with students is always a great reminder of how important literacy and community support are in helping our young people succeed. Thank you to the teachers, staff, and Rotary members who made this special day possible!

02/06/2026

02/05/2026

The Crimes Against Children Unit of the Henry County District Attorney’s Office, successfully prosecuted a criminal case against Raymond Johnson (65) involving allegations of s*xual abuse of a 7-year-old minor in McDonough.

The allegations made by the juvenile victim concerned inappropriate s*xual contact while at a private residence. The accusations were reported by the victim’s parent and were subsequently investigated by local law enforcement. During a forensic interview, the victim disclosed that around the Christmas break, she was at the defendant’s residence and was laying on a sofa when she heard the defendant enter the home. The victim stated that she pretended to be asleep. She reported that the defendant approached her, lifted the covers, and touched her breast, vaginal area, and buttocks underneath her clothing. The victim further stated that the defendant touched her vaginal area with his fingers, including digital pe*******on.

The case was tried before the Honorable Judge Holly W. Veal, where a jury found the defendant, Raymond Johnson, guilty on one count of aggravated s*xual battery and two counts of child molestation.

On January 15, 2026, Johnson was sentenced to 25 years to serve in prison, followed by life on probation as a s*x offender.

12/15/2025

Ellenwood, GA — An Ellenwood couple was sentenced to prison for the brutal killing of a six-year-old boy.

A Henry County jury found Less Thompson, Jr. guilty on October 3, 2025, of malice murder, felony murder (x3), aggravated assault, and cruelty to children in the first degree. Following the verdict, Thompson was sentenced on October 22, 2025, by Henry County Superior Court Judge Holly Veal to life in prison without the possibility of parole. That same day, Deshante LaShawn Beard, the child’s mother, pled guilty to the lesser-included offense of murder in the second degree and was sentenced to 30 years, with 25 years to serve in prison for her role in the child’s death and ongoing abuse.

The jury determined that in the days leading up to June 13, 2021, Beard and her boyfriend, Thompson, had beaten the 6-year-old victim with a belt for wetting the bed. On the morning of June 13, the victim wet the bed again, and was beaten again by Thompson. Thompson then made the 6-year-old run laps, do pushups, and other physical exertion in the June heat. When the victim complained of exhaustion, Thompson beat him again, ultimately resulting in the victim losing consciousness.

Henry County Police detectives investigated the case and were able to determine through various statements that Beard and Thompson waited at least 4 hours after the victim collapsed before calling 911.

Several doctors testified about the physical state of the victim, including signs of repeated child abuse, and how the punishment on June 13 ultimately led the 6-year old’s body to go into shock, causing brain swelling and eventually death.

District Attorney Darius Pattillo stated,

“A child’s life was taken by the very people who were responsible for caring for him and keeping him safe. Now that the case is closed, we hope this resolution brings some measure of peace to those who loved him. Our hearts go out to all who have been affected by this terrible crime.”

This case was prosecuted by the Henry County District Attorney’s Office Homicide Unit.