A Jefferson County jury convicted a Port Ludlow man of two counts of child molestation following an investigation involving an 11-year-old girl.
George Joseph Golay was found guilty in Jefferson County Superior Court on Tuesday, April 21. Jurors also determined that Golay abused a position of trust to carry out the crimes.
The case began on July 16, 2024, when authorities were alerted to a possible sexual assault involving a minor. Deputies responded to a Port Ludlow home after receiving concerns from individuals who had been in contact with the child’s mother.
The mother told deputies she felt unsafe living in the home she shared with Golay and asked for help leaving with her children, according to prosecutors. She described him as having a volatile temper and access to firearms, though no prior physical violence toward her was reported.
According to the investigation, concerns escalated after the family returned from a trip to Spokane. The mother reported seeing Golay enter her daughter’s bedroom late at night and observed behavior she described as inappropriate, including what appeared to be intimate physical contact, prosecutors said.
She recorded portions of what she saw and later contacted a trusted friend before law enforcement was notified, according to prosecutors. Deputies helped the mother and her children safely leave the home.
At the time, the child had not disclosed abuse, and investigators conducted forensic and follow-up interviews to determine what had happened.
Golay was charged in January 2025 with two counts of child molestation in the first degree. Each count carries a potential maximum sentence of life in prison.
Prosecutors said Golay later failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing and left the United States for Thailand. A warrant was issued, and with help from federal agencies, including the FBI and US Department of State, he was located and returned to the United States.
He later pleaded guilty to a charge of bail jumping on April 10, 2026.
Trial on the molestation charges began Monday, April 13, before Judge Brandon Mack. After several days of testimony, the jury returned guilty verdicts on both counts and confirmed aggravating factors tied to abuse of trust.
“This case represents the kind of meticulous, victim-centered work that is essential in holding offenders accountable, especially in cases involving vulnerable children,” Jefferson County Prosecutor James Kennedy said.
“These cases are among the most difficult to prosecute because they often involve individuals who exploit positions of trust within families,” Deputy Prosecutor Holly Graham said. “The victim and her mother showed extraordinary bravery in coming forward.”
Golay remains in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday, May 8, in Jefferson County Superior Court.
Authorities encourage anyone with concerns about child safety to contact local law enforcement or victim advocacy groups, including Dove House Advocacy Services.
Want more local news? Follow Puget Press Jefferson County on Facebook.
