Local News
Local News

Life sentence upheld for sex predator

By Bill Rankin
May 15, 2012

The federal appeals court has upheld a life sentence imposed against a man caught in an undercover sting targeting sexual predators.

Russell E. Worsham, 45, was arrested outside a Sandy Springs restaurant in 2008 by FBI agents after he arranged over the Internet to meet a woman he thought was the mother of a 7-year-old girl but who was actually an undercover detective. Agents found a spanking tool, crayons and child pornography in Worsham's van. At trial, a victim testified that Worsham had sexually assaulted her beginning when she was 9 years old.

About the Author

Bill Rankin has been an AJC reporter for more than 30 years. His father, Jim Rankin, worked as an editor for the newspaper for 26 years, retiring in 1986. Bill has primarily covered the state’s court system, doing all he can do to keep the scales of justice on an even keel. Since 2015, he has been the host of the newspaper’s Breakdown podcast.

Follow Bill Rankin on twitter
More Stories

The Latest

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Shermela Williams testifies before the hearing panel of the Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Williams is being sued by a young woman she jailed during a 2023 divorce hearing. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Embattled Fulton judge sued over woman’s ‘illegal’ jailing

1h ago

Cherokee deputies kill man, find mom’s body decaying in home

Roof collapses, firefighter hurt during blaze at Gwinnett business

Featured

Housing affordability is the top concern for metro Atlanta residents, according to a new survey. (Ben Hendren for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Hendren

Metro Atlantans sour on housing affordability, pessimism is growing, poll says

The economy ranked as the top issue facing metro Atlanta last year, supplanting crime for the number one spot. This is the first year housing affordability has been an option.

DeKalb schools superintendent pleads not guilty to federal charges

Devon Horton has resigned from his role as DeKalb County superintendent, He has pleaded not guilty to federal charges stemming from his previous job in Illinois.

See video police say shows ex-PSC candidate Durand take Georgia Power secrets

Patty Durand has long criticized Georgia Power for concealing information under the cloak of trade secret about various initiatives and requests of state regulators.