Crime & Safety

Suspect Sought in Assault of 70-year-old Woman

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Fugitive Squad and Crime Stoppers Atlanta ask for the public's help in finding suspect Donnie Bess.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Squad and Crime Stoppers Atlanta is asking for the public's help in finding Donnie Bess, a suspect being charged with aggravated sodomy, robbery and aggravated assault against a 70-year old wheelchair-bound Decatur woman.

Bess has been charged or found guilty of several crimes since 1978, according to a release from the sheriff's office, and investigators say they believe he will have other victims due to his criminal history.

The warrant, according to the release, alleges that the crimes were committed on September 26, 2011 by Bess, 54, on Glenwood Road in unincorporated Decatur, and also states that the suspect assaulted the victim by choking and punching her in the face.

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He allegedly continued his assault by forcing the victim to have oral sex with him, the sheriff's office information says.

The suspect is also accused of taking a 32-inch television, two diamond rings and an unspecified amount of money from the victim, the sheriff's office said in its release.

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Investigators learned that Bess was acquainted with his victim and did yard work for her.

The sheriff's office said Bess has either been charged or found guilty of several crimes since 1978, including rape in 1987. He was charged with rape in 1995 but was found not guilty.

The release states that Bess was convicted for burglary in 1978, 1979 and 1982, arson in 1983, aggravated assault in 1994 and manslaughter in 2000.

Bess is 6 feet tall and weighs between 180 and 220 pounds. He is known for doing lawn work and small maintenance jobs in the DeKalb and surrounding metro areas.

Investigators say any information on the case can be submitted anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-TIPS (8477), online www.crimestoppersatlanta.org or by texting CSA and the tip to CRIMES (274637). Persons do not have to give their name or any identifying information to be eligible for the reward of up to $2,000.


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