The Georgia Supreme Court on Monday upheld the law that prohibits the solicitation of sodomy, while reversing a conviction of the crime against a police officer.

Former Nashville, Ga., police officer James Edwin Watson was convicted at trial of soliciting sodomy from a 17-year-old boy and for violating his oath of office. Watson appealed, challenging the solicitation statute.

The state Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the solicitation law but overturned Watson’s conviction, saying there was insufficient evidence for a jury to find him guilty.

Watson had been sentenced to five years, with two years to be spent in prison and the rest to be served on probation.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com