100 years

Georgia Couple Sentenced to 100 Years for Heinous Crimes Against Adopted Sons

By Marsh (Edi) Baptise

William Zulock, 35, and Zachary Zulock, 37, a married couple from Walton County, Georgia, have been sentenced to 100 years in prison without parole for sexually abusing their two adopted sons in a case that has shocked the nation. 

The investigation began in July 2022 when the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) received a tip regarding child sexual abuse material linked to the Zulocks' residence. Upon executing a search warrant at the couple’s home, law enforcement discovered evidence of extensive abuse, including surveillance footage, digital files, and other incriminating materials documenting the crimes.

The abuse, which prosecutors described as systematic and calculated, included acts of aggravated sodomy, incest, and exploitation. Authorities revealed that the couple not only abused the boys themselves but also recorded and distributed explicit content involving the children.

Walton County District Attorney Randy McGinley called the home a “house of horrors,” noting the deliberate and predatory nature of the crimes.

Both men pleaded guilty to a range of charges, including:
aggravated sodomy, aggravated child molestation, incest and the sexual exploitation of children. As part of the plea deal, the Zulocks were each sentenced to 100 years in prison, ensuring they will never be released. The victims, two young boys adopted by the Zulocks, were rescued from the household during the investigation. The boys are now in a safe environment and receiving counseling and support to help them recover from the trauma they endured.

Authorities commended the children for their bravery throughout the investigation and the legal process. This case has prompted widespread outrage and sparked a national conversation about the vetting and monitoring processes for adoptive parents. Critics argue that more rigorous background checks and follow-up procedures are necessary to prevent similar tragedies.

Advocates for children’s rights have emphasized the need for increased oversight in the adoption system and for better resources to support vulnerable children. The Zulocks' crimes have left the local community in shock. Neighbors and acquaintances expressed disbelief over the couple’s actions, describing them as outwardly "normal" and engaged in their community.

"This is one of the most heinous cases we've seen," said District Attorney McGinley. "These men were trusted to provide a safe and loving home, and they utterly betrayed that trust in the most horrific way imaginable." The sentencing of William and Zachary Zulock to life in prison ensures that they will never have the opportunity to harm children again. Authorities continue to encourage anyone with knowledge of child exploitation to come forward, emphasizing the importance of reporting suspicious behavior.

This case serves as a sobering reminder of the vigilance required to protect society’s most vulnerable and the need for systemic reforms to prevent future abuse.