NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. – Carey Donovan Clark was convicted Thursday by a Newton County jury for his role in the prolonged abuse of his children, just months after his co-defendant, Nora Rodgers, was sentenced to 60 years for similar crimes.
Clark, 39, was found guilty of six counts of second-degree cruelty to children and one count of aggravated battery. These charges stemmed from his abusive actions toward multiple children under the age of 10, which prosecutors described as “torture.” The abuse involved forcing the children to endure harsh physical exercises, such as running laps, performing squats with heavy logs, and doing jumping jacks for extended periods—often late at night or in the intense heat of summer.
A doctor from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta testified that the children’s suffering amounted to torture. In addition to the physical abuse, the children were deprived of food as punishment, leaving them malnourished. Meals were time-restricted, and solid foods were blended into liquids to force the children to eat quickly.
Nora Rodgers, Clark’s co-defendant and the children’s stepmother, pleaded guilty to nine counts of cruelty to children in October 2023.
The abuse was uncovered in October 2020 when a concerned relative alerted authorities. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a 9-year-old child with a black eye and severe bruising, an 8-year-old with bruises and scrapes, and a 6-year-old with life-threatening injuries, including a broken elbow and widespread bruising. The 6-year-old required immediate treatment from the trauma team at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Prosecutors revealed that the children were forced to perform intense physical routines similar to boot camp exercises. If they failed to meet Rodgers’ expectations, they faced further beatings, including physical sparring with her.
While the children were subjected to these cruel punishments, Rodgers’ biological children in the same home were not mistreated.
The case drew significant attention from law enforcement and child advocacy groups. Following the discovery of the abuse, all six children were removed from the home and placed in foster care. Agencies including the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta worked together to ensure the children’s safety.
At Rodgers’ sentencing in December 2023, emotional impact statements were presented by the children, their foster parents, a social worker, and their grandmother. District Attorney Randy McGinley commended the collective efforts of law enforcement and social services and expressed gratitude for the care the children received after the abuse.
“I want to thank the hard work of the prosecution team, the law enforcement officers, and the other agencies involved in this case,” McGinley said. “The dedication to the victims over the last four and a half years is inspiring. A special thanks goes to the foster parents and the family members who reported the abuse. Those who step up to care for abused children are truly angels.”
Rodgers, who had previously been warned by the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) against using corporal punishment and excessive exercise as discipline, was sentenced to 60 years in prison, with 30 years to be served.
Clark’s sentencing is expected in the coming months.
