NEWTON COUNTY – A trio of high-profile criminal offenders received their sentences in Newton County court last Tuesday.

Ronnie Grier, a 34-year-old man who was convicted of multiple sex-related crimes against children, was sentenced to 25 years in prison without parole, followed by life on probation. Grier will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

On Oct. 22, a Newton County jury convicted Grier of aggravated sexual battery, two counts of child molestation and two counts of sexual battery against a child under the age of 16.

According to a previous news release from the Newton County District Attorney’s (DA’s) Office, Grier was first investigated in 2022 by the Newton County Sheriff’s Office when he made “incriminating admissions” during an interview with one of the department’s investigators. After his initial arrest, he was released on bond. However, it was revoked after he had reportedly violated contact with the victim and a witness.

Tony Lamar Benton was sentenced to 35 years, with the first eight to be served in prison, on charges including aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Benton was convicted of those charges on Nov. 4.

Benton reportedly held two people whom he had close relationships with at gunpoint.

“The Defendant and one Victim were in the early stages of a romantic relationship and the other Victim was a longtime friend of the Defendant,” per a previous release from the DA’s office. “The Defendant assumed there were ill intentions and held them at gunpoint demanding that [the] second Victim leave the location.”

Also, Edward Ricky Fulton Jr. was sentenced to 15 years, with the first 10 in prison, on charges including two counts of terroristic threats and five counts of cruelty to children. Fulton was convicted on Nov. 4.

According to a booking report from the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, Fulton was involved in a domestic dispute that led to a gunfire exchange.