Dawson Mayor Christopher Wright indicted on rape, child molestation charges

DAWSON — Dawson Mayor Christopher Wright has been indicted on five sex-related charges, including rape and child molestation.

According to the Terrell County Sheriff’s Office, Wright was contacted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday and told that he was being indicted on the charges of aggravated child molestation, aggravated sodomy, rape, child molestation and statutory rape. Officials said Wright then turned himself in at the Terrell County Sheriff’s Office.

Craig Earnest, the district attorney of the Pataula Judicial Circuit, confirmed Wednesday afternoon that Wright had been indicted Tuesday by a Terrell County grand jury.

“We presented evidence to a grand jury, and I will confirm that the grand jury did indict Mr. Wright on aggravated child molestation, aggravated sodomy, child molestation, rape and statutory rape charges,” Earnest said. “And I also can confirm that the evidence that was presented to the grand jury came to light in the case involving Milton Johnson.”

Johnson was convicted of multiple sex-related crimes — including rape, aggravated child molestation, aggravated sodomy and sex exploitation of a child — earlier this year and received life-in-prison sentences.

Wright has been the center of controversy since he became mayor of Dawson in 2012 at the age of 22. In October 2013, Wright was the victim of a shooting at his Dawson home. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and remained in critical condition for some time.

In February, Wright, through an attorney, denied allegations made during Johnson’s trial on child molestation. A teenage witness said during testimony that she had sex with Wright in 2012.

Wright appeared Wednesday afternoon in Magistrate Court. According to the Terrell County Sheriff’s Office, he posted a $50,000 bond and was released.

Earnest said Wright’s arraignment is scheduled for June 19 in Terrell County.