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Name:
Gilbert, Carlton Terez
Date of Booking:
01/24/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
Rape
Punishment- exploiting disabled or elder
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 January 23rd, 2026 at approximately 1306 hrs I, Ofc.Strom, was dispatched to [REDACTED BY AGENCY] Watson Blvd in reference to a rape. When I arrived on scene I made contact with a nurse on scene.
The nurse on scene advised me that her patient, [REDACTED BY AGENCY], had come into the hospital on January 21st at approximately 0500 hrs in emergent labor. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] gave birth to a baby boy at approximately 0640 hrs that same morning. After the birth a psych consult was conducted due to the possibility of [REDACTED BY AGENCY] having mental delays. After the consult it was determined by professionals at the hospital that [REDACTED BY AGENCY] had the mentality of a 5 or 6 year old. Due to this diagnosis the staff at the Women’s Center contacted the police.
Due to [REDACTED BY AGENCY] mental delays I decided to go ahead and notify Sgt.Delgiorno as well as female detectives Smith and Thompson before I tried to speak with her. Once they all arrived on scene I sat in while Detectives Smith and Thompson asked [REDACTED BY AGENCY] a few questions about how she came to be pregnant. Throughout the discussion it was found that a light skinned black male with the nickname of “Redd” was the father of [REDACTED BY AGENCY] baby. She was able to open her phone and show us several pictures of him cuddled up close to her. It was further discovered that her step father, [REDACTED BY AGENCY] who she had previously been staying with at [REDACTED BY AGENCY] was best friends with “Redd”.
Eventually we learned that [REDACTED BY AGENCY] was actually [REDACTED BY AGENCY]. When detective Smith asked [REDACTED BY AGENCY] if she knew what sex was, she advised that she knew but was unable to explain it. We then attempted to get her to describe where she lived at or where she had sex with “Redd” at and she was never able to give substantial directions or addresses. She would simply describe “Redd’s” house as an apartment with a dog in it and a white car out front.
Finally, several times throughout the discussion [REDACTED BY AGENCY] would bring up how excited she was to take the baby home with her once she gotten out of the hospital. Nurses and social workers on scene had informed us that they had advised her numerous times that the baby was going to be placed in foster care and would not be leaving with her.
A contact by the name of [REDACTED BY AGENCY] was listed on [REDACTED BY AGENCY] chart. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] and staff on scene identified her as a relative. Detective Thompson was able to make phone contact with her. I was never able to obtain a possible date of birth for her while I was on scene and none of the individuals listed in locals had the same address she had listed on the chart; which is why her name was not added to this report.
Social workers on site at [REDACTED BY AGENCY] were notified and made contact with us. They advised Adult Protective Services (APS) were also notified by them; however it was unclear when they would respond to the hospital. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] will be staying on scene at the hospital until APS makes contact.
[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:
1/28/26
MOTION FOR BOND FILED
What this means: Carlton Terez Gilbert’s legal team filed a request asking the Houston County court to set bail so he could be released from jail while awaiting trial. Gilbert is accused of rape and exploiting a disabled or elderly person. When someone is arrested and held without bond, their attorney can file this motion to argue why they should be allowed to post bail and go home until their case is resolved.
1/28/26
DEFENSE ATTORNEY ASSIGNED
What this means: David Jennings was officially appointed or hired as Carlton Terez Gilbert’s defense attorney in this Houston County case. Having legal representation is crucial for anyone facing serious charges like rape and exploitation of a disabled or elderly person.
2/5/26
PLEAS AND BONDS HEARING SCHEDULED
What this means: The Houston County court scheduled a hearing for 9:00 AM where Carlton Terez Gilbert could enter a plea to the charges against him and where the judge would consider his bond request. At this type of hearing, defendants typically enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest, and the court decides whether to grant bail.
2/19/26
PLEAS AND BONDS HEARING RESCHEDULED
What this means: Carlton Terez Gilbert’s pleas and bonds hearing in Houston County was moved to a new date at 9:00 AM. Court hearings are often rescheduled due to scheduling conflicts, the need for more preparation time, or other procedural reasons.
4/14/26
GRAND JURY RETURNS INDICTMENT — 2 COUNTS FILED AGAINST CARLTON TEREZ GILBERT
What this means: A Houston County grand jury formally charged Carlton Terez Gilbert with two felony offenses under case number 2026-C-0064363. The indictment was signed by the grand jury foreperson on April 14, 2026, and filed with the Houston County Superior Court on April 15, 2026. District Attorney Eric Z. Edwards is prosecuting the case, with Senior Assistant District Attorney Justin C. Duane listed as the prosecutor on the indictment. Here is what Carlton Terez Gilbert is accused of in each count:Count 1 — Rape: Carlton Terez Gilbert is accused of having forcible carnal knowledge of the victim against her will, allegedly occurring between November 5, 2025, and January 23, 2026, in Houston County, Georgia.Count 2 — Exploitation and Intimidation of a Disabled Adult, Elder Person, or Resident: Carlton Terez Gilbert is accused of unlawfully and willfully inflicting sexual abuse upon the victim, a disabled adult, by allegedly raping her. This offense is also alleged to have occurred between November 5, 2025, and January 23, 2026, in Houston County, Georgia.
5/5/26
DEFENSE FILES NOTICES AND DISCOVERY MOTIONS
What this means: Defense attorney David Jennings filed a package of legal motions and notices with the Houston County Superior Court on behalf of Carlton Terez Gilbert in case number 2026-C-0064363. These filings are standard pretrial tools that defense attorneys use to protect a defendant’s rights and gather information before trial. The motions include the following:Carlton Terez Gilbert’s defense opted into Georgia’s reciprocal discovery process, meaning both sides agree to share evidence with each other. The defense also requested that all court proceedings be fully recorded, and asked the prosecution to turn over any evidence that could help the defense or undermine the credibility of the state’s witnesses — a requirement under the landmark legal cases Brady v. Maryland and Giglio v. U.S.The defense further asked the court to review whether any statements made by Carlton Terez Gilbert were given voluntarily, and requested that all physical evidence be preserved and made available for independent testing by the defense. The defense also put the state on notice that crime lab personnel must appear in court in person to authenticate any lab reports — they cannot simply submit paperwork without showing up. Additionally, the defense demanded that original evidence items be produced at trial, including any warrants, statements, photographs, video and audio recordings, and chain of custody records. Finally, the defense objected to any search of Carlton Terez Gilbert’s electronic devices and demanded their return, stating he does not consent to any search or seizure of his property.
6/18/26
NEW DEFENSE ATTORNEY ENTERS CASE — STEPHEN T. SMITH APPOINTED FOR CARLTON TEREZ GILBERT
What this means: On June 18, 2026, attorney Stephen T. Smith of the Houston County Public Defender’s Office formally entered his appearance as the new attorney of record for Carlton Terez Gilbert in Case No. 2026C0064363. The court determined that Carlton Terez Gilbert financially qualifies for a court-appointed attorney, meaning the Public Defender’s Office will represent him at no cost. As part of this filing, the defense confirmed it will participate in reciprocal discovery — meaning both the defense and the prosecution will share evidence with each other as required under Georgia law.
6/18/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION IN LIMINE — CARLTON TEREZ GILBERT
What this means: On June 18, 2026, defense attorney Stephen T. Smith filed a request with Houston County Superior Court asking the judge to keep certain information away from the jury at trial. The request, called a Motion in Limine, seeks to exclude: Carlton Terez Gilbert’s prior criminal history and past police contacts; the fact that he is currently in custody; out-of-court statements that he cannot cross-examine; any other police encounters before or after this case; his probation or parole status; and any conduct mentioned in the police report that was not included in the formal charges. The defense argues this information would unfairly prejudice the jury against him.
6/18/26
DEFENSE FILES NOTICE OF DEFENDANT’S DISCOVERY — CARLTON TEREZ GILBERT
What this means: Also on June 18, 2026, defense attorney Stephen T. Smith filed a formal Notice of Discovery, informing the prosecution what evidence and witnesses the defense may use at trial. This is the defense’s required disclosure under Georgia’s reciprocal discovery rules. The notice identifies the following:
Witnesses: The defense may call any witness already on the State’s witness list. In addition, the defense identified three investigators from the Houston County Public Defender’s Office — Joey Mullens, Christopher Carter, and Theresa Craig — as potential witnesses.
Possible Evidence: The defense may use any evidence already in the State’s possession. The defense also disclosed materials currently held by the Public Defender’s Office that are available for the prosecution to inspect, including criminal records of witnesses, photographs, Carlton Terez Gilbert’s medical records, witness statements, items for impeachment or rebuttal, and location images from Google Maps, Google Street View, and Bing Maps of the scene.
7/16/26
PROSECUTION FILES NOTICE OF DISCOVERY — CARLTON TEREZ GILBERT
What this means: On July 16, 2026, Senior Assistant District Attorney Justin C. Duane filed a Notice of Discovery on behalf of District Attorney Eric Z. Edwards, informing defense attorney Stephen T. Smith what evidence the State is making available in Case No. 2026C0064363. Because Carlton Terez Gilbert has elected to participate in reciprocal discovery, the State is required to share its evidence. The prosecution’s disclosure includes: the State’s witness list, Carlton Terez Gilbert’s criminal history, any statements made by Carlton Terez Gilbert, Brady material (meaning any evidence that could help the defense), and the indictment. Police reports, scientific reports, photographs, video recordings, and other trial evidence will be uploaded to the court’s electronic filing system. Physical evidence such as drugs, weapons, and clothing can be inspected in person at the District Attorney’s office by appointment.
7/16/26
PROSECUTION FILES MOTION DEMANDING ALIBI NOTICE — CARLTON TEREZ GILBERT
What this means: Also on July 16, 2026, Senior Assistant District Attorney Justin C. Duane filed a motion asking the court to require Carlton Terez Gilbert to formally disclose any alibi defense — meaning any claim that he was somewhere else when the alleged offenses occurred. The State alleges the incident took place in the area of Watson Blvd and Robins West Pkwy in Warner Robins, Georgia, between November 5, 2025, and January 23, 2026. The prosecution is asking the court to order Carlton Terez Gilbert to provide his claimed whereabouts — including the specific location, time, and anyone he was with — no later than five days after the motion is filed, or at minimum five days before trial begins. If Carlton Terez Gilbert fails to provide this information on time, the State is asking that he be automatically barred from presenting any alibi evidence at trial.
7/23/26
PLEAS / BONDS HEARING SCHEDULED
What this means: A hearing has been set for July 23, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Houston County Superior Court to address bond and/or plea matters for Carlton Terez Gilbert. This is a future scheduled event; no outcome is yet available.
7/23/26
CARLTON TEREZ GILBERT ARRAIGNED
What this means: On July 23, 2026, Carlton Terez Gilbert was formally arraigned in Houston County Superior Court on the two-count indictment returned by the grand jury on April 15, 2026. An arraignment is the court appearance where a defendant is formally read the charges against them and enters a plea. The case record does not indicate what plea was entered at this hearing.
8/3/26
TRIAL CONTINUED AT STATE’S REQUEST — CARLTON TEREZ GILBERT
What this means: Carlton Terez Gilbert’s case appeared before Houston County Superior Court on August 3, 2026, for pre-trial motions, with trial tentatively scheduled for the second or third week of August. However, the State asked the court to postpone — called a continuance — and the judge granted it. Defense attorney Stephen T. Smith did not request the delay. According to the motion, the continuance was caused by the State’s inability to secure evidence it considers necessary to its case, a circumstance unrelated to Carlton Terez Gilbert or his defense team.
8/3/26
MOTION HEARING SCHEDULED
What this means: A motion hearing has been set for August 3, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Houston County Superior Court. This hearing will likely address one or more of the pre-trial motions filed by defense attorney David Jennings on May 5, 2026. No outcome is yet available.
8/7/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION FOR BOND RECONSIDERATION — CARLTON TEREZ GILBERT
What this means: On August 7, 2026, defense attorney Stephen T. Smith filed a formal request asking Houston County Superior Court to reconsider setting a bond for Carlton Terez Gilbert. Judge Amy Smith previously denied bond on February 19, 2026. Under local court rules, a defendant can ask for bond to be reconsidered after 90 or more days have passed since the initial denial. By the time this motion was written, Carlton Terez Gilbert had been in continuous custody for 195 days since his January 23, 2026 arrest.
The defense argues that Carlton Terez Gilbert has had no contact with the alleged victim since his arrest, does not know her whereabouts, and has shown no indication of attempting to reach her. The defense states he is willing to accept any conditions the court sets, including a strict no-contact order. The motion also notes that due to his extended time in jail, Carlton Terez Gilbert has very limited funds to post bail, and asks the court to either release him on his own recognizance — meaning no money required, just a promise to appear — or set a bond amount that accounts for his limited ability to pay.
11/2/26
MOTION HEARING SCHEDULED — CARLTON TEREZ GILBERT
What this means: A motion hearing has been scheduled for November 2, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Houston County Superior Court. This hearing is expected to address pending pre-trial motions in Case No. 2026C0064363, which may include the defense’s Motion for Bond Reconsideration filed August 7, 2026. No outcome is yet available.