A Gordon County jury has found a Tennessee man guilty on multiple charges involving crimes against a child, resulting in a life sentence handed down this week.
According to court officials, 39-year-old Dustin Floyd Bowers of Benton, Tennessee, was convicted on March 25, 2026, of Aggravated Sexual Battery, two counts of Child Molestation, and Cruelty to Children in the First Degree. On April 30, Chief Superior Court Judge D. Scott Smith sentenced Bowers to life in prison, with the first 40 years to be served behind bars.
Authorities said Bowers was arrested on December 22, 2023, following an investigation into offenses that occurred in the fall of that year. A Gordon County Grand Jury later indicted him in November 2024.
The case proceeded to trial, which lasted three days. Jurors deliberated for just over two hours before returning guilty verdicts on all four counts.
District Attorney Erle J. Newton III praised the jury for its service in what he described as a difficult case.
“Juries serve as the conscience of our community. These are among the most difficult cases, so we thank the jurors for their time and attention in this very important case,” Newton said.
The prosecution was led by Assistant District Attorneys Joshua S. Wyatt and Austin C. Lunde, with assistance from District Attorney Investigator Jose Rivera.
Officials also recognized the work of the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office for its investigation, along with support organizations including the Gordon County Child Advocacy Center and the Sexual Assault Center, which provided services to the victim throughout the case.