John Zillman

The Georgia Gazette is actively monitoring this case. Check back for the latest updates as more information becomes available.

Name:
Zillman, John William

Date of Booking:
11/19/2024

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 November 18th, 2024, at about 1400 hours, I was approached by an Assistant Principal (AP) [REDACTED BY AGENCY] at NOHS regarding an incident involving a juvenile student and a family member.

The AP stated that a female student/victim, [REDACTED BY AGENCY], reported to her teacher, [REDACTED BY AGENCY], that her father, Mr. John Zillman, continually walks in while she is nude and taking a shower or about to take a shower. Additionally, AP [REDACTED BY AGENCY] stated that [REDACTED BY AGENCY] alleged that her father, John, grabbed her buttocks (specifically stated as continually grabs her butt). AP [REDACTED BY AGENCY] stated a school counselor reported the allegations to the Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS).

I spoke to the teacher, [REDACTED BY AGENCY] whom the victim made the initial statement/allegation. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] stated she has known the victim for three years and believed the victim was telling the truth. The teacher corroborated the statements of APO [REDACTED BY AGENCY] by stating the conversation started by the victim saying her dad keeps taking money from her. The victim said she receives $700 per month from the government. The victim said that her dad makes her pay for his online games. The father does not have a job and neither does her mother. The teacher said the victim relayed to her that she (victim) is getting tired of her dad walking in the bathroom while she is taking a shower. The victim told the teacher that her dad grabs her butt a lot, all the time, and made a statement of “Im getting you ready for the real world” on one occasion while grabbing a buttock of the victim.

I notified the on-call CID investigator and Inv Pilcher responded to NOHS. The informal interview took place at about 1500 hours for the purpose of a safety assessment for the student. It was determined the juvenile was staying with grandparents and siblings who would protect her. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] reported to my office and just broke down into tears. I could tell she was fearful, and she curled into a slight fetal position while sitting in my chair. I walked over and comforted her and told her “it’s ok.” [REDACTED BY AGENCY] gathered herself and explained that she is tired of her dad walking in the bathroom while she’s in there. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] described one incident where she was getting ready for a shower and had a shirt on but was nude from the waist down. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] said he walks in knowing that she’s in there and has said, “oh, I didn’t know you were in here” as an excuse.

[REDACTED BY AGENCY] said there was more than one bathroom in the residence, but they currently live with grandparents, to include mom [REDACTED] and dad (John). [REDACTED BY AGENCY] said that her parents had been divorced for a while but still live together. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] said that her dad would also grab her “bum” and say things that made her feel uncomfortable. Specifically, “I’m getting you ready for the real world.” [REDACTED BY AGENCY] did say that all her life he (her father, John Zilman), had grabbed her butt and when she was little that she would do the same. [REDACTED BY AGENCY], said now it just seems awkward and that she did not like it. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] said the shower incidences and the grabbing of her buttocks has taken place at various times and places where they lived. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] said the most recent incidences had occurred at [1100 BLOCK] Timber Ridge Rd, Watkinsville (her grandparents address).

[REDACTED BY AGENCY] expressed fear of her father and stated her entire family is scared of him. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] stated she would be cooperative but did not want him to know. I advised [REDACTED BY AGENCY] of the process and that DFACS and CID would be in contact with her.

[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:

12/18/24

FIRST APPEARANCE BOND DETERMINATION

What this means: This was the defendant’s first court appearance after being charged or arrested. At this hearing, the judge decided whether the defendant could be released and set the bond amount and conditions.

12/18/24

BOND – TRANSFER BOND (ELBERT COUNTY)

What this means: A bond was posted in Elbert County for the defendant’s release. A transfer bond typically means the bond was processed or moved so it would apply properly to this case.

12/18/24

SPECIAL BOND CONDITIONS ($10,000)

What this means: The judge set the defendant’s bond at $10,000 and ordered specific conditions that must be followed while released. These conditions may include restrictions such as no contact orders or avoiding new charges.

1/10/25

CALENDAR CALL

What this means: A calendar call is a court date where the judge reviews the case and determines whether it is ready for trial or another hearing. It is used to organize and schedule the next step in the case.

1/7/25

DEFENSE ENTRY OF APPEARANCE JEREMIAH ROBERTS

What this means: On this date, attorney Jeremiah Roberts officially filed paperwork stating that he represents the defendant. From that point forward, he would receive court notices and act on the defendant’s behalf in the case.

7/1/26

ACCUSATION FILED

What this means: An accusation charging John Zillman was filed in Oconee County. The document itself is unavailable, but the filing is recorded in the case docket. An accusation is a formal charging document that initiates prosecution in magistrate court.