Executive Summary
- Thomas Wayne Stovall indicted on nine counts including child molestation and sexual exploitation.
- Charges stem from alleged incidents involving an 11-year-old victim in September and October 2025.
- Investigation led by GBI Special Agent Ethan Brown resulted in the defendant’s arrest.
A Baldwin County grand jury has returned a nine-count indictment against Thomas Wayne Stovall, charging the local man with child molestation and sexual exploitation of children, according to court records filed in the Superior Court.
Documents released by the office of Baldwin County Superior Court Clerk Wanda T. Paul indicate that the grand jury convened on January 13 to review the evidence. The indictment formally charges Stovall with one count of child molestation and eight counts of sexual exploitation of children.
According to the indictment, the child molestation charge stems from an alleged incident on September 1, 2025, in Baldwin County. Prosecutors allege Stovall committed an immoral and indecent act in the presence of an 11-year-old victim. Court records further state that on the same date, Stovall allegedly committed sexual exploitation against the same minor.
The remaining seven counts of sexual exploitation relate to allegations that the defendant possessed videos depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment notes that these specific alleged offenses occurred on October 1, 2025.
The case was investigated by Special Agent Ethan Brown of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Following the inquiry, Stovall was arrested and subsequently jailed pending legal proceedings.
Legal Proceedings & Procedural Context
The return of an indictment signifies that a grand jury has determined there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial, moving the case from the investigative phase to the prosecutorial phase within the Superior Court system. As this case involves serious felony charges involving a minor, the judicial process will likely involve strict procedural safeguards regarding the victim’s identity. It is important to note that an indictment is merely a formal accusation, and Thomas Wayne Stovall is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
