A Walker County jury has convicted Michael Forker, a 74-year-old man from LaFayette, on charges of Child Molestation, Sexual Exploitation of Children, and five counts of Invasion of Privacy. Following the verdict on December 3, 2025, Forker was sentenced by Lookout Mountain Superior Court Chief Judge Brian House to 65 years in prison, with 58 years to be served in the Georgia Department of Corrections.

The case began when the victim, a juvenile female relative living with Forker, discovered a hidden camera inside a bathroom floor vent. She removed the camera and reported it to teachers and staff at LaFayette High School, who then notified authorities. The LaFayette Police Department seized the device and executed a search warrant at Forker’s home.

Investigators discovered a locked computer room filled with laptops, desktop computers, and camera equipment. Authorities recovered an external hard drive containing hundreds of video recordings spanning several years, showing footage of the minor victim in the bathroom. Videos also showed Forker installing and repositioning the hidden camera over time. A manipulated photograph was also found, depicting the victim’s face digitally altered onto the body of a topless adult woman. During the trial, the victim testified not only about the recordings but also about an incident of child molestation that occurred while Forker believed she was asleep.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Winston Franklin, with assistance from Victim Advocate Brittany Bruce and Administrative Assistant Rebecca Fordney. The investigation was led by LaFayette Police Department Detective Robert Tate, with support from the Walker County Sheriff’s Office.

In a statement, Acting District Attorney Deanna Reisman praised law enforcement and emphasized the importance of the sentence, saying the prosecution ensures Forker will never have the opportunity to harm another child.