Michael Beal

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Name:
Beal, Michael Anthony

Date of Booking:
07/24/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
SEXUALLY EXPLICIT CONDUCT OF MINOR – FELONY

ELECTRONICALLY FURNISHING OBSCENE MATERIAL TO MINORS

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 July 13, 2026, at 1557 hours, I was dispatched to the Hinesville Police Department (123 E. MLK Jr.) regarding a suspicious acts call. Upon arrival, I made contact with the complainant/victim, [REDACTED BY AGENCY], who provided the following information.

On July 10, 2026, Ms. [VICTIM #1] stated she was watching My Hero Academia with her stepfather, Michael Beal, when he displayed his pe*is at the bottom of his shorts. Ms. [VICTIM #1] said when she saw this, she stood up and exited the room because she was uncomfortable. Ms [VICTIM #1] informed me, her mother, [REDACTED], and younger brother, [REDACTED BY AGENCY], were in separate rooms of the home at this time.

On July 11, 2026, Ms. [VICTIM #1] stated she was watching a show with Mr. Beal when he pulled his [REDACTED BY AGENCY] out of the bottom of his pants and started to mast*rbate. Ms. [VICTIM #1] advised Mr. Beal asked her several times if she was “okay.” Ms. [VICTIM #1] said when [REDACTED BY AGENCY] came into the room, Mr. Beal stopped mast*rbating but did not hide his [REDACTED BY AGENCY]. Ms. [VICTIM #1] did not advise if [REDACTED BY AGENCY] saw this. Ms. [VICTIM #1] advised later in the day, Mr. Beal sent her a picture of her cat sitting near his lap. At the bottom of the picture near the opening of his shorts, his [REDACTED BY AGENCY] was displayed.

I made contact with Sgt. Roberts, who contacted Detective Rushing (#132) who assumed the investigation. I provided Ms. [VICTIM #1] with a Victim Rights pamphlet, issued her a CRN (case report number), and informed her on how to obtain a copy of this report. Prior to the completion of this report, on July 14, 2026, at approximately 0830 hours, [REDACTED BY AGENCY].

[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:

7/30/26

FIRST APPEARANCE HEARING HELD FOR MICHAEL ANTHONY BEAL JR

What this means: Michael Anthony Beal Jr appeared before the Magistrate Court of Liberty County for his First Appearance Hearing on July 30, 2026. This is typically the first time a defendant appears before a judge after being arrested. At this hearing, the court advises the defendant of the charges against them and their legal rights — including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. The court’s records indicate Beal confirmed he could understand the proceedings. The court noted that Beal requested the services of a Public Defender and directed him to contact the Public Defender’s Office. The records also show that Beal waived his right to a Commitment Hearing, which is a separate proceeding where a judge would determine whether probable cause exists to hold him on these charges. By waiving that hearing, the case moves forward without that additional step.

7/30/26

BOND ORDER ISSUED FOR MICHAEL ANTHONY BEAL JR

What this means: Judge Michael E. Silverman of the Magistrate Court of Liberty County signed a bond order on July 30, 2026, setting the conditions under which Michael Anthony Beal Jr could be released from jail while his case proceeds. The total bond was set at $5,000, with a cash component of $0 and a property bond of $10,000 required to secure his release. If Beal could not meet these conditions, he would remain held in the Liberty County jail until his case reached a final disposition.

8/13/26

BOND POSTED FOR MICHAEL ANTHONY BEAL JR

What this means: On August 13, 2026, Michael Anthony Beal Jr posted bond in the amount required by the court order, and the Liberty County jail issued a receipt confirming payment. With bond posted, Beal was released from custody and is now out of jail pending the outcome of his case. He remains subject to any conditions the court imposed as part of his bond order.

8/20/26

PUBLIC DEFENDER ENTERS APPEARANCE FOR MICHAEL ANTHONY BEAL JR

What this means: On August 20, 2026, the Atlantic Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office filed a formal Notice of Appearance in the Superior Court of Liberty County, officially entering the case as legal counsel for Michael Anthony Beal Jr. The attorney of record is Assistant Public Defender Ginny Purdee (Georgia Bar No. 416483). This filing was made in Case No. 2026-PR-341-BD and was served on the District Attorney’s Office, represented by Billy J. Nelson Jr., ESQ. From this point forward, Purdee is the attorney representing Beal in these proceedings.

9/1/26

DEFENSE COUNSEL LLOYD D. MURRAY ENTERS APPEARANCE FOR MICHAEL ANTHONY BEAL JR

What this means: On September 1, 2026, Lloyd D. Murray filed a formal Notice of Appearance in the Superior Court of Liberty County, officially entering the case as legal counsel for Michael Anthony Beal Jr. Murray is now the attorney of record representing Beal in these proceedings, replacing or supplementing the prior Public Defender representation.