CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — A man from Cherokee County was sentenced to life in prison, with 35 years to serve, after he was convicted of sexually assaulting his girlfriend's 10-year-old daughter at the home they shared in Holly Springs.

Earlier this month, a Cherokee County jury found Austin Carl Puckett, 29, guilty of one count of aggravated child molestation, one count of criminal attempt to commit aggravated child molestation, one count of aggravated sexual battery, and one count of child molestation, records show. During the trial, the District Attorney's Office detailed the extent of sexual assault that occurred in the home that the child shared with her mother, her sibling and Puckett. The child was home alone with Puckett frequently. The abuse occurred from 2017-18, when the child was 9 and 10-years-old. The child reported the abuse to her grandmother in March 2018, the District Attorney's Office said.

"A child's innocence was lost due to this defendant's crime," said District Attorney Shannon Wallace. "The defendant was a father figure to her, someone she trusted and cared about. But he betrayed that trust by sexually assaulting her. The jury heard evidence from both sides and their verdict has ensured that this man will never harm another child again." Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Zachary Smith, who prosecuted the case on behalf of the state, recommended a life sentence with 40 years to serve in prison.

"A life sentence is nothing compared to the life sentence Austin Puckett inflicted on this child, who lost her ability to trust men due to his actions," Smith said. "The defendant has a history of family violence and child sexual abuse was an escalation of this. Thank God this child reported the sexual abuse so he could be stopped." In delivering the sentence on May 29, Judge Ellen McElyea praised the child for coming forward and testifying. She expressed hope that the sentencing would bring closure and wished her the best in the future.