Genarlow Wilson was convicted of aggravated child molestation after engaging in consensual oral sex with a 15-year-old girl when he was 17. The Georgia Supreme Court ordered Wilson's release from prison on October 26, 2007, after he had served two years of his sentence.
The Law Loophole
At the time of Wilson's case, Georgia had laws making it a misdemeanor for teens with less than a three year difference in age to have sex. However, the law only applied to sexual intercourse, and because Wilson had engaged in oral sex, the case was tried as a felony instead.
Genarlow Wilson Background
- ABC News: Outrage After Teen Gets 10 Years for Oral Sex With Girl (2006)
Genarlow Wilson - The Tape
- Atlanta Journal Online: U.S. Attorney: Distributing Genarlow Wilson tape violates law
Genarlow Wilson Commentary and Criticism
- New York Times: Free Genarlow Wilson Now (Editorial) (2006)
References
Fast Facts
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Born
April 8, 1986
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Fact:
Wilson and the fifteen-year-old are African American
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Fact:
Age of consent in Georgia is 16
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Fact:
Wilson was an honor student
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Fact:
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Fact:
Incident happened at a New Year's Eve party
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Fact:
Videotape showed the girl initiated the act
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Fact:
Supreme Court ruled his sentence cruel and unusual punishment
