Canton Man Sentenced to 3 Life Terms for Sexual Abuse

Monquezias Deshad Watts convicted on multiple counts of rape, child molestation, and aggravated assault against underage victims.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:50pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled piece of paper with handwritten notes, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a sense of the serious, investigative nature of this sexual abuse case.The harsh flash photography of evidence in this sexual abuse case exposes the gritty reality of the crimes committed and the need for justice.Canton Today

The Cherokee County District Attorney's Office announced that Monquezias Deshad Watts, a 33-year-old Canton man, was sentenced to three life sentences plus 25 years after being convicted on multiple counts of sexual abuse against underage victims. The abuse spanned several years, with Watts targeting vulnerable girls he knew, often assaulting them while they were impaired by drugs or alcohol or asleep.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual predators targeting minors and the importance of holding such offenders fully accountable through the justice system. The sentencing sends a strong message that this type of abuse will not be tolerated in the community.

The details

Watts was placed under investigation in April 2021 after a 14-year-old girl reported that he had sexually assaulted her. As the case progressed, more victims were identified, with nearly 30 witnesses, including five victims, testifying during the trial. The victims, all under 16 at the time of the offenses, described a consistent pattern of Watts assaulting them while they were impaired or asleep.

  • Watts was placed under investigation in April 2021.
  • Watts was convicted and sentenced in March 2026.

The players

Monquezias Deshad Watts

A 33-year-old Canton man convicted on multiple counts of sexual abuse against underage victims.

Susan K. Treadaway

The Cherokee County District Attorney who oversaw the prosecution of Watts.

Leyna Pope

The Assistant District Attorney who prosecuted the case against Watts.

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What they’re saying

“Evidence presented at trial showed that this man has been acting with impunity for years. Victim after victim took the stand and told the same story of being victimized while they were high, drunk, or asleep. This defendant preyed upon vulnerable girls he thought would never tell, or never be believed.”

— Leyna Pope, Assistant District Attorney

“This sentence delivers long-awaited justice for these young women. The defendant counted on these girls remaining silent or on others failing to believe them. He underestimated them, and he underestimated this community. With this verdict and sentence, he has been fully and appropriately held accountable.”

— Susan K. Treadaway, District Attorney

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of protecting minors from sexual predators and the importance of a justice system that takes these crimes seriously and holds offenders fully accountable, even in cases where victims may be vulnerable or reluctant to come forward.