Cherokee County Mother Sentenced to 40 Years for Abusing Child

Candice Nicole McClure found guilty of aggravated assault and cruelty to children charges.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:53pm

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An extreme close-up of a child's bruised and patterned leg, captured in stark, dramatic lighting to convey the serious, investigative nature of this crime.A harsh flash photograph of physical evidence exposes the disturbing reality of child abuse, a crime that has lasting impacts on young victims.Canton Today

A 35-year-old Cherokee County mother, Candice Nicole McClure, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after being found guilty of abusing her own child. McClure was convicted of one count of aggravated assault and two counts of cruelty to children in the first degree following a four-day trial.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of teachers and school staff being vigilant for signs of child abuse and creating safe spaces for victims to come forward. It also underscores the need for strong penalties to deter child abuse and protect vulnerable young victims.

The details

The abuse case began in April 2023 when a Cherokee County elementary school teacher reported concerns after the student disclosed that McClure had kicked, punched, and 'choked' the child. A DFCS investigation found bruising on the child's leg and a patterned injury on the forehead consistent with being struck by a belt. The child later participated in a forensic interview and provided additional details about the abuse.

  • The abuse investigation began in April 2023 after a teacher reported concerns.
  • McClure was found guilty by a jury on April 3, 2026 after a four-day trial.

The players

Candice Nicole McClure

A 35-year-old Cherokee County resident who was found guilty of abusing her own child.

Judge Shannon Wallace

The Superior Court judge who presided over McClure's trial and sentencing.

Susan Treadaway

The Cherokee County District Attorney who prosecuted the case.

David Bailey

The Assistant District Attorney who handled the prosecution.

Cherokee County Elementary School Teacher

The teacher who reported the child abuse concerns to authorities, prompting the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“The trauma this child experienced is heartbreaking. Instead of protecting her own child, the defendant repeatedly inflicted abuse that caused lasting harm.”

— Susan Treadaway, Cherokee County District Attorney

“The family was new to Cherokee County, and we believe the abuse had been ongoing before the family arrived. The schoolteachers are the heroes in this case. They recognized the signs of abuse and created a safe place for the child to come forward.”

— David Bailey, Assistant District Attorney

“No one deserves to be treated in that manner.”

— The Victim

What’s next

The judge acknowledged the child's trauma and imposed the maximum 40-year sentence allowed under Georgia law.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical role of teachers and school staff in identifying and reporting suspected child abuse, as well as the need for strong legal penalties to deter such heinous crimes and protect vulnerable young victims.