DFCS counselor to stand trial on child molestation charges

Jury selection began Tuesday in the case of a former DFCS counselor charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Atlanta.

Earl Hopper, 39, has been charged with rape, child molestation and enticing a child for indecent purposes. The charges against Hopper stem from a Nov. 10, 2011 incident.

According to authorities, in his role with the Division of Family and Children Services, Hopper was assigned as a counselor to the victim’s siblings. He volunteered to counsel the teen girl as well. The indictment alleges that Hopper picked the girl up from her home under the pretense of taking her to a counseling session. Instead he allegedly took her to his home, gave her alcohol and then sexually assaulted her before returning her home. The teenager immediately disclosed the assault to her mother, according to authorities. Hopper was arrested the same day.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Todd Markle is presiding over the case. Opening statements are expected to begin later Tuesday.

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