GADSDEN, AL — Paul Victor Yother, 44, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple counts of child sexual abuse and possession of obscene material in Etowah County, Alabama.
Guilty Plea and Charges
Yother appeared before Presiding Circuit Judge George, where he pleaded guilty to:
Four counts of sexual abuse of a child under 12
Eleven counts of unlawful possession of obscene material
Under Alabama law, those convicted of child sexual abuse under 12 face a mandatory sentence of 10 to 20 years per count, with no eligibility for parole or early release.
Investigation and Arrest
The case began in July 2024, when the Etowah County Sheriff’s Department received a report from Walton County, Florida. Three young girls reported that Yother had sexually abused them over an extended period in both Florida and Etowah County, Alabama.
Authorities later discovered at least one additional victim. Yother admitted to the abuse during recorded phone calls with one of the victims’ fathers. He was subsequently arrested and held on a $13.3 million bond.
Law Enforcement and Community Response
Etowah County District Attorney Jody Willoughby expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts in bringing Yother to justice. He specifically thanked:
The James M. Barrie Center for Children
Sheriff’s Investigators Shannon Thomas and Brandi Fuller
Victim Service Officers Angel Grogan and Susan Tallman
Investigator Clark Thompson
Willoughby also commended the bravery of the victims and their families for their cooperation throughout the case.
Sentencing and Future Implications
Yother’s 50-year sentence ensures he will remain behind bars, as early release programs do not apply to his crimes. Authorities continue to urge survivors of abuse to come forward and seek justice.
