Dominick O’Neal

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Name:
O’Neal, Dominick Kelton

Date of Booking:
04/30/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
SEXUAL BATTERY – MISDEMEANOR

Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]

On 4/21/2026 at around 1200, it was reported that the offender touched the victim inappropriately on her back and her butt area. School administration was getting the classroom video from the security system. Later I was called to the principals office to view the footage from the classroom.

In the video I saw several times that the listed offender, while sitting behind the victim reach out and touch her on her lower back region. I observed the offender change his position and even use his other hand to get a better touch. The victim asked to charges be filed and I advised that would happen. The paperwork was done and the offender was arrested at a later date.

[End of Narrative]

All information is sourced directly from the official, public court database. Case history is organized and curated by The Georgia Gazette staff. The “What this means:” explanations are written by AI and reviewed by our staff before publishing.

Court records are subject to change at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors or omissions. Nothing here is legal advice. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Case History:

5/1/26

CRIMINAL BOND SET — DOMINICK KELTON O’NEAL

What this means: Dominick Kelton O’Neal was released from custody after posting a criminal bond in the amount of $2,400.00 through the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office. The bond was signed on May 1, 2026, with Jimmy McDuffie listed as Sheriff, and filed with the court on May 12, 2026. As a condition of the bond, O’Neal was required to appear in Effingham State Court as directed. A notice was to be mailed to O’Neal’s address in Springfield, Georgia. This is a standard release mechanism that allows the defendant to remain free while the case moves forward, provided all court appearances are kept and bond conditions are met.

5/12/26

ACCUSATION FILED — ONE COUNT OF SEXUAL BATTERY AGAINST DOMINICK KELTON O’NEAL

What this means: On May 12, 2026, the Solicitor-General of Effingham County filed a formal accusation against Dominick Kelton O’Neal in the State Court of Effingham County under Case No. STCR2026000498. An accusation is the charging document used in State Court — it serves the same purpose as an indictment but is filed directly by the prosecutor rather than a grand jury.

Count 1 charges Dominick Kelton O’Neal with Sexual Battery under O.C.G.A. 16-6-22.1(b). O’Neal is accused of intentionally making physical contact with the intimate parts of the alleged victim without her consent on April 21, 2026, in Effingham County — specifically by allegedly touching her several times, moving her clothing to touch her skin, and reaching into her belt line. The accusation was filed by Solicitor-General Spencer Lawton of the Effingham County Solicitor’s office and was based on an affidavit from SGT. John Peny of the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office.

6/9/26

CRIMINAL ARRAIGNMENT CALENDAR HEARING — BOND CONDITION IMPOSED

What this means: Dominick Kelton O’Neal appeared on the criminal arraignment calendar in Effingham State Court on June 9, 2026, at 9:00 AM. As a result of this hearing, a bond condition was imposed requiring O’Neal to have no contact with the alleged victim. This condition is in addition to any existing bond terms and means O’Neal must avoid all direct or indirect communication with the alleged victim while the case is pending.

6/9/26

CONSOLIDATED MOTIONS FOR DISCOVERY FILED — DOMINICK KELTON O’NEAL

What this means: On June 9, 2026, Dominick Kelton O’Neal, through his legal representation, filed Consolidated Motions for Discovery in Effingham State Court under Case No. 2026-ST-CR-498. This filing asks the prosecution to turn over all reports, audio, video, memoranda, written witness statements, and witness contact information connected to the charges against O’Neal. This is a standard step in the legal process where the defense requests access to the evidence the State intends to use, so O’Neal’s legal team can prepare a response to the charges.

6/9/26

ENTRY OF APPEARANCE AND WAIVER OF ARRAIGNMENT FILED — ATTORNEY GABE CLIETT ENTERS AS DEFENSE COUNSEL

What this means: On June 9, 2026, attorney Gabe T. Cliett formally entered his appearance as retained counsel for Dominick Kelton O’Neal in Effingham State Court. Cliett, a licensed Georgia attorney with Bar No. 170142, filed this document on O’Neal’s behalf. Along with entering his appearance, Cliett filed a Pre-Arraignment Request in which Dominick Kelton O’Neal waived — meaning voluntarily gave up — his right to a formal arraignment hearing. O’Neal entered a plea of NOT GUILTY and requested a trial by jury. By waiving arraignment, O’Neal avoided the need to appear in court solely to have the charges read aloud, which is a common and routine step when a defendant is represented by an attorney and wishes to proceed directly toward trial.

8/13/26

CRIMINAL ARRAIGNMENT SCHEDULED — DOMINICK KELTON O’NEAL

What this means: Dominick Kelton O’Neal is scheduled to appear for a criminal arraignment hearing in Effingham State Court on August 13, 2026, at 9:00 AM. An arraignment is the formal court proceeding where a defendant is read the charges against them and enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. This will be a key step in moving Case No. STCR2026000498 forward.