ContestsEvents

LISTEN LIVE

Sexual Assault Investigation Leads to Three Arrests In Burke County

A sexual assault investigation that’s been underway in Burke County led to multiple arrests Tuesday. The Burke County Sheriff’s Office says investigators executed a search warrant at a home in…

Sexual assault investigation in Burke County leads to 3 arrests
Getty Images

A sexual assault investigation that's been underway in Burke County led to multiple arrests Tuesday.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office says investigators executed a search warrant at a home in the 200 block of McCoy Church Road around 9:30 am.

"The search and investigation led to the arrests of 55-year-old Tommy Lynn Gilliam and 43-year-old Amanda Charlene Wilkes at the home," according to a news release from the Burke County Sheriff's Office.

Sexual Assault Investigation Involves A Juvenile Victim

Colonel J.W. Wylds said the investigation began when allegations of the sexual assault of a juvenile at the home surfaced earlier.

Wylds said authorities identified and subsequently arrested 55-year-old Mark Aaron Snell of Creek Road for his alleged involvement in the incident.

"Additional charges may be forthcoming as this remains an active and ongoing investigation. Due to the sensitive nature of this case and to protect the identity of the victim, no additional details regarding the juvenile's age or identity will be released at this time," according to Wylds.

All Three Suspects Have Been Booked into the Burke County Detention Center

Their charges include:

Tommy Lynn Gilliam:

  • Trafficking of Persons for Labor or Sexual Servitude
  • Aggravated Child Molestation
  • Aggravated Sodomy
  • Enticing a Child for Indecent Purposes
  • Cruelty to Children 2nd Degree
  • Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
  • Possession of Fentanyl
  • Possession of Methamphetamine
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance

Amanda Charlene Wilkes:

  • Child Molestation
  • Cruelty to Children 2nd Degree
  • Possession of Fentanyl
  • Possession of Methamphetamine
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance

Mark Aaron Snell

  • Child Molestation

Mary Liz is the News Director and Co-Host of Augusta’s Morning News on WGAC. She spent 11 years as a News Director at an Indiana Radio Station. She has also worked as a former Police and Courts Reporter for The Republic Newspaper and Assistant Marketing Director of Merchants National Bank in Indianapolis. Mary Liz focuses most on local breaking news stories, feature stories on upcoming events, or community-service related organizations and the people who serve them. She has been with WGAC since 1995.