A Lula man charged with sex crimes against children in two North Georgia jurisdictions remains behind bars with no bond.
Matthew James Felmey, 30, is accused in sexual assaults against two children in Hall County, according to Hall County Sheriff's Office spokesman Derreck Booth.
"The Sheriff’s Office investigation began on April 9, 2020, when deputies received a referral from the Hall County Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) Office," Booth said in an email statement. "Hall County investigators notified the Cleveland Police Department in White County after determining the referral was actually related to incidents that occurred in its jurisdiction."
Felmey was first arrested on Tuesday, May 5 during a joint investigation between the Cleveland Police Department and the Hall County Sheriff's Office. That arrest was predicated on warrants from the Cleveland Police Department investigation.
"At that time, Hall County Investigators obtained a search warrant for his cell phone and seized it," Booth said.
As they continued to investigate, Hall County detectives were able to determine Felmey had assaulted two young female victims in Hall County.
"According to the preliminary investigation, [Felmey] committed the acts of rape, child molestation, aggravated sodomy and aggravated sexual battery against a female child at his residence in the 6400 block of Main Street in Lula. The crimes occurred between the morning of Sunday, May 3, and evening of Monday, May 4, 2020," Booth said.
He said there was video evidence of the assault on Felmey's cell phone.
In addition, investigators were able to find evidence of sexual assault against a second female victim from 2013. The alleged assault occurred at a residence on Smallwood Road. Felmey has been charged with aggravated sexual battery in the 2013 incident.
Booth said Felmey knew both victims.
The Cleveland Police Department has not released specific information on the incidents that occurred in its jurisdiction. According to information posted on the inmate roster at the White County Detention Center, Felmey has been charged with child molestation, incest, aggravated child molestation, cruelty to children, aggravated sodomy and employ/use of a minor to engage in/assist person in sexually explicit conduct for visual medium.
Booth said it is possible additional charges could be filed against Felmey in Hall County, and investigators are searching for other potential victims. Anyone with information is asked to contact Hall County Investigator Alford at 770-533-7690.
