A Rockdale County man was arrested on multiple charges by the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office, working with the U.S. Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force.  

Ryan K. Watkins, 42, of Conyers, was taken into custody without incident on  August 2 in the parking lot of a shopping center on Evans Mill Road near I-20. Watkins faces four counts of child molestation, two counts of aggravated sexual battery, and two counts of sexual battery against a child under 16. Watkins is being held without bond.

Warrants were taken for Watkins’ arrest after interviews with two girls who had known Watkins for several years. The two girls, the oldest now in her teens, spoke to investigators in another county. Investigators said that the incidents took place over a span of more than three years.  

The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office has participated in the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERTF) since April 2013, when Deputy Chris Baker was assigned to the team. Deputy Baker was selected by the U.S. Marshals Service from a group of five finalists based upon his law enforcement experience, as well as other qualifications. The SERTF is an initiative led by the U.S. Marshals Service to identify and apprehend dangerous fugitives.