Danzell Mitchell, 28, of Alpharetta, was sentenced to 50 years by Cobb Superior Court Judge Ann Harris after admitting to an attack on a child at Town Center Mall in 2018. Harris ordered that Mitchell spend 25 years in custody followed by the balance on probation.

According to a press release from the office of Cobb District Attorney Joyette M. Holmes:

On Wednesday, Danzell Mitchell, 28, of Alpharetta, admitted that on the evening of May 8, 2018, he accosted a 12-year-old girl in a women’s restroom at the Kennesaw mall and brandished a knife at her in an attempt to restrict her movement. The child screamed, managed to escape and ran to her father, and other civilians in the mall food court restrained Mitchell until Cobb Police arrived.

“What happened to this child is every parent’s worst nightmare; however, the victim’s bravery in the face of her attacker led to her escape and ultimately, her safety,” said Senior Assistant District Attorney Courtney Veal. “We are hopeful this resolution will provide the closure needed for family’s healing and send the message that preying on and harming children in our community will not be tolerated.”

Mitchell pleaded guilty to charges of false imprisonment, aggravated assault, and cruelty to children in the first degree.

He still faces charges in Fulton County for an alleged 2017 attack on a woman at an Alpharetta park.