Walton County District Attorney's Office

10/19/2026

This month, the District Attorney’s Office welcomes Kaylah Holmes as its newest sworn prosecutor. Ms. Holmes holds three degrees from the University of Georgia, where she was recognized for trial advocacy on a national level. She brings with her experience interning with the State Attorney General’s Office Human Trafficking Division and the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office. Ms. Holmes has additionally worked to combat child endangerment and exploitation, and has served the homeless in her community. She is committed to seeking justice for victims, pursuing fair and ethical prosecution, and making the community safer.

10/15/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This , the Walton County District Attorney's Office is committed to standing of intimate partner and family violence. Survivors deserve safety, support, solidarity, and ACTION. Visit dvawareness.org/ to learn more and join the mission of spreading awareness on this important issue.

09/28/2026

On August 28, a Walton County jury convicted James Randy Griffeth of three counts of Aggravated Child Molestation, two counts of Aggravated Sexual Battery, and two counts of In**st.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant D.A. Dave Williamson, with the assistance of Victim Services Director Kim Kelly, Chief Investigator Josh Chambers, Investigator Artie Turner, and Legal Assistant Lisa Knight.

The investigation was conducted by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office with crucial assistance from A Child’s Voice Child Advocacy Center. Members of the Walton County School District and Walton County DFCS also played integral roles in the initial reporting and assessment of the abuse.

Sentencing will follow the completion of a pre-sentence investigation.

08/30/2026

Last week, W. Cliff Howard was sworn in as Acting District Attorney for the Alcovy Judicial Circuit following Judge Randy McGinley’s appointment to the Superior Court bench.

A career prosecutor with more than three decades of experience, Howard has served the Alcovy Judicial Circuit for the past 20 years. He began his prosecutorial career with the DeKalb County Solicitor-General’s Office, where he served as Chief Assistant Solicitor-General from 1990 to 1998. He joined the Walton County District Attorney’s Office in 2006, becoming Deputy Chief in 2012 and Chief Assistant District Attorney in 2021.

Howard earned his bachelor’s degree from Furman University and his Juris Doctor from Mercer University. He and his wife have two sons and reside in Walton County.

08/12/2026

From DA Randy McGinley:

This afternoon, Governor Kemp will swear me in as the next Superior Court Judge of the Alcovy Judicial Circuit. It has been the honor of my life time to serve Walton and Newton Counties as a prosecutor for the last almost 15 years. Just 2 weeks after law school graduation, then DA Layla Zon took a chance on me, hiring me as an Assistant District Attorney. Then in 2020, the citizens of Newton and Walton County had the confidence in me to vote me in as the elected District Attorney. It has been an incredible journey and I am so grateful for all the love and support over the years.

The staff of both offices have and continue to serve our communities with excellence. It is not an exaggeration to say that any success I have had is because of the amazing people I have had the honor to work with. Thank you for all you have done and I look forward to seeing the amazing things you do in the future.

What does that mean moving forward? The DA’s Office will remain in the incredibly capable and talent hands of the awesome Assistant District Attorneys, Investigators, Victim Advocates and Office Staff. Chief ADA Cliff Howard becomes Acting DA upon my swearing in as judge. From there, Governor Kemp will appoint the next District Attorney; that process is already underway. That appointed DA will then serve out the remainder of my term, until the 2028 election.

07/27/2026

07/02/2026

Happy 250th to America!

The DA's Office is closed Friday, July 3 and will reopen Monday, July 6. Please enjoy the great weekend and be safe!

07/02/2026

Update on Benjamin Ramey Conviction:

Benjamin Seth Ramey was convicted by a Walton County jury on May 8, 2026 of Enticing a Child for Indecent Purposes and Possession of a Fi***rm by a Convicted Felon. Yesterday, the case was back before Senior Judge Mingledorff for a sentencing hearing.

After hearing from both the State and the defense, the Court accepted the State's recommendation and sentenced Ramey to 35 years with the first 25 years in prison, the remainder on probation.

07/02/2026

This morning, the Social Circle Police Department brought breakfast to the District Attorney's Office in recognition of the hard work by everyone in our office. Chief Jason Guest then presented a plaque to our office which celebrates the 20th anniversary of the creation of the Social Circle Police Department. This plaque, which includes each of the patches that officers have worn during the history of the Department states that it is "Presented with our sincere appreciation to District Attorney Randy McGinley and the Prosecutors, Investigators, and Staff of the Alcovy Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office."

A very big thank you to Chief Guest and his entire team. We are very grateful to work with such a wonderful Department to help keep Social Circle and the Alcovy Circuit safe and a great place to live and raise a family.

06/21/2026

“Fathering is not something perfect men do, but something that perfects the man.”

Happy Father’s Day!