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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Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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