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Written by: A. Smith
Published July 18, 2025 @ 7:39 AM ET
GEORGIA – A Georgia couple is facing charges after police say they took a child to a Tennessee welcome center and encouraged him to join them in sexual acts.
Timothy Leon Kelly, 35, and Bridget Barton, 30, both of Kennesaw, were arrested by East Ridge police following an incident that occurred on May 7.
According to an affidavit obtained by WTVC-TV, Kelly and Barton picked up the boy around 1:30 a.m. and told him they “had a surprise” for him. They then instructed him to wear a blindfold as they drove to the Tennessee Welcome Center off Interstate 75 in East Ridge.
Once parked, the boy, identified in police records as “J1”, told officers that Barton and Kelly got into the back seat and began doing “weird stuff,” which he clarified as touching. The boy said Barton asked him if he wanted to watch. He left the car to use the restroom but returned several times, each time seeing the couple still engaged in the act, according to the report.
After the fourth time, the boy said Barton and Kelly told him to stay in the vehicle. He told police they then asked if he “wanted a turn,” but he declined and told them multiple times he wanted to leave. The couple allegedly refused to let him go.
Two days later, police say Barton admitted to having sex with Kelly inside the car and confirmed she had suggested the child join them. She also told investigators that Kelly had given her “some kind of sex drug” earlier that day, according to the affidavit.
Kelly was arrested on Monday, July 7. Barton was arrested the following day.
Kelly is charged with conspiracy to commit sexual battery by an authority figure. Barton faces charges of sexual battery by an authority figure, indecent exposure, and solicitation of a minor.