A 37-year-old Valdosta man, Ervin Lamar McCullen, has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies following an investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a juvenile known to him. The Valdosta Police Department confirmed McCullen faces felony charges of Aggravated Child Molestation and Sexual Battery. This development underscores the community's focus on child safety and the collaborative efforts of local agencies when serious allegations arise within Lowndes County.
The investigation began on October 1 after a school resource officer was notified that a student had disclosed an alleged assault to another student. A detective from the Valdosta Police Department responded to the school and immediately launched an investigation. Assistance was provided by the Children’s Advocacy Center and The Haven, critical local resources dedicated to supporting victims and investigations involving children. Investigators determined that the alleged incident occurred while McCullen was driving the juvenile to school. Police said McCullen pulled his vehicle into a parking lot during the drive and allegedly sexually assaulted the student at that location.
Following the investigation, arrest warrants for McCullen were obtained on October 15. To locate McCullen, officers utilized Flock automated license plate reader technology, which helped pinpoint his vehicle. Officers successfully found the vehicle parked in a driveway in the 800 block of Ponderosa Drive. McCullen was subsequently taken into custody under a carport at the residence. After his arrest, McCullen was booked into the Lowndes County Jail on the active warrants, where he remains awaiting further legal proceedings. All charges filed against McCullen are considered felonies, reflecting the gravity of the allegations.
Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan emphasized the importance of the initial report, stating, “We are so thankful that the student the victim confided in immediately notified school authorities.” Chief Manahan also highlighted the breach of trust involved in the alleged incident. She noted that the young victim was supposed to be taken to school by someone she knew, trusted, and felt comfortable with, underscoring that she should have felt safe but was instead allegedly taken advantage of. The Valdosta Police Department's investigation into this matter remains ongoing. It is important for residents to remember that the charges are allegations, and McCullen is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
