Forsyth County man indicted on child molestation, sexual battery pleads not guilty

A man in Forsyth County was indicted on multiple charges, including child molestation and sexual battery, and pleaded not guilty following the indictment announced Jan. 19, 2026, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office reported. The sheriff’s office issued a public notice that included the defendant’s name, a booking photo and the formal charging information to alert residents and encourage tips.

The indictment, handed down Jan. 19, alleges criminal conduct that has raised concerns among parents, schools and neighborhood groups. The sheriff’s office provided the charging documents as part of its routine public information, signaling that the case will proceed through the local criminal justice system. Prosecutors will review the indictment and pursue court proceedings consistent with state law.

Local law enforcement stressed the case as an active matter and asked anyone with information to come forward through the channels listed in the sheriff’s public notice. The notice also contained contact information for the prosecutor’s office for individuals who have tips or relevant evidence. The sheriff’s office typically shares such information to help investigative efforts and to give residents clear ways to assist or ask questions.

For Forsyth County families, this indictment underscores the community impact of sex-related offenses and the importance of vigilance in child safety. Schools and youth-serving organizations often respond to such news with reminders about reporting concerns and reviewing safety protocols. Community leaders and neighborhood groups frequently use sheriff’s office releases to coordinate information and to ensure that parents and caregivers know how to report suspicious activity.

Legally, an indictment means a grand jury found probable cause to charge the defendant; a not guilty plea means the case will move into pretrial proceedings and, unless resolved earlier, into a trial phase where evidence will be examined in court. Until a conviction, the defendant remains presumed innocent under the law.

What comes next for residents is continued attention to official updates from the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and the prosecutor’s office as the case progresses. Officials have asked the public to use the contact avenues provided in the sheriff’s notice to submit tips or information that could aid the investigation, and to rely on official statements for verified developments in the case.