LULA — The Hall County Sheriff’s Office caught up with a Lula man on May 5 to serve him with warrants out of White County. The resulting investigation revealed additional victims and warrants were issued from Hall County as well.
The Hall County charges brought against Matthew James Felmey, age 30 of Lula were for rape, child molestation, aggravated sodomy, and aggravated sexual battery against a female child. The incident occurred at his residence in the 6400 block of Main Street in Lula between the morning of Sunday, May 3 and the evening of Monday, May 4.
An additional victim was uncovered by Hall County and a charge for aggravated sexual battery was obtained against Felmey. This crime took place between January and September of 2013 in the 2200 block of Smallwood Road in Gainesville.
According to Hall County, Felmey knew both victims.
Hall County Sheriff’s Office opened an investigation on Felmey when they were notified by the Hall County Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) on April 9, 2020. Hall County determined that the incident that was referred to them had actually occurred in Cleveland in White County. Hall County then contacted the Cleveland Police Department.
On May 5, Hall County Deputies arrested Felmey at his Lula home on warrants out of White County following their joint investigation with the Cleveland PD. While in custody, Hall County obtained a warrant to search Felmey’s cell phone. The following day, Felmey was released to White County.
It was the search of Felmey’s cell phone that revealed the two victims in Hall County. Warrants for the crimes committed against the two Hall County victims were obtained on May 12, 2020.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office investigation continues, and additional charges are anticipated. Anyone with information on other potential victims is asked to contact Investigator Alford at (770) 533-7690.
— Staff Reports
