In February of 2026, Marshall County Sheriff’s Deputies were made aware of a incident involving a 26-year-old male suspect and a 6-year-old female victim. The child had disclosed to other family members that the male subject had inappropriately touched her earlier that same day. At the time of the report, investigators were notified, and the investigation began.
Investigators learned that the offender was an extended family member to the victim. The Marshall County Department of Human of Resources (DHR) and the Marshall County Child Advocacy Center (CAC) were notified. DHR took steps to ensure that there was no further contact between the victim and suspect throughout the course of the investigation. The victim was interviewed at the CAC, and disclosed that there had been contact of a sexual nature with the offender.
As more information was gathered, investigators learned that the suspect resides in Dekalb County; however, this incident took place at the victim’s residence in Grant, Alabama; while the suspect was visiting other family there.
On March 20, 2026, Investigator TJ Franks was able to secure an arrest warrant for Sexual Abuse of a Child Less than 12 Years Old for the suspect, 26-year-old Gem Lewis Thrasher of Crossville, AL.
Thrasher was arrested by Investigator Franks at the Dekalb County courthouse earlier today and taken to the Marshall County jail, where he was booked in and will be held on a $500,000.00 bond.
The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Grant Police Department, the Marshall County Department of Human Resources, the Marshall County Child Advocacy Center, the Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office, and the Marshall County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance with this case.
Sexual Abuse of a Child Less than 12 Years Old is a Class B Felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison. The suspect in the is case is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If anyone has any further information regarding this case, or any other potential cases related to Gem Thrasher, please contact Investigator Franks at the Sheriff’s Office at 256-582-2034.
