Trenton man convicted of having sexual relationship with 13-year-old

TRENTON, Ga. (WDEF) — A 25-year-old Trenton man has been convicted of having a sexual relationship with a minor.

On April 16, a Dade County Superior Court convicted James Clay Mayo of statutory rape, child molestation and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

James Mayo. Photo: Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney

The incident took place in late 2021, according to the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney (DA).

At the time, Mayo was 23 and was having a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old, the DA’s office said. They added that Mayo met the teen over social media.

In February 2022, a deputy stopped Mayo’s vehicle to find a minor girl in the passenger seat, and the deputy claimed to smell alcohol coming from the vehicle.

The deputy also said Mayo had a picture of the girl on the dashboard of his vehicle. Mayo admitted to buying alcohol for the teen, but he denied being in a relationship with her, the DA’s office stated.

At the time, deputies arrested Mayo for giving the minor alcohol.

The next day, a detective interviewed Mayo. Authorities said Mayo originally denied being in a relationship with the teen, but finally admitted to having a sexual relationship with her.

Mayo’s trial took place on April 15, 2024.

During the trial, the DA showed digital evidence to the jury. The evidence included texts between Mayo and his friends that the minor was only 13 years old. Evidence also included pictures and videos of Mayo and the minor in bed, according to the DA.

The jury then found Mayo guilty of statutory rape, child molestation and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Authorities are still holding Mayo in the Dade County Jail while he awaits sentencing. The DA said Mayo faces up to 20 years in prison.