GBI Arrests Sylvania Man in Child Molestation Investigation

Screven County (May 31, 2024) – The GBI has arrested and charged James Ryan Burkes, age 26, of Sylvania, Georgia, with Child Molestation, Sexual Battery Against a Child Under 16, and Battery. On February 12, 2024, the GBI was requested by the Screven County Sheriff’s Office to investigate allegations made against Burkes of child molestation.  

The investigation shows that Burkes had inappropriate sexual contact with a minor in Screven County.  

He was booked into the Screven County Jail. 

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Screven County Sheriff’s Office at 912-564-2013 or the GBI regional investigative office in Stateboro at 912-871-1121. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app. 

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit DA’s Office for prosecution.