A same-sex couple has been sentenced to 100 years in prison without the possibility of parole for the sexual assault of their two adopted sons with special needs. The court found that they had created a façade of a loving home while subjecting the children to severe abuse, including the production of child pornography and the exploitation of the boys by sharing them with acquaintances.
District Attorney Randy McGinley remarked to WSB-TV, “These two defendants truly established a house of horrors, prioritizing their sinister desires above all else.” He further emphasized, “The extent of the defendants’ depravity is profound, yet it does not surpass the determination of those who sought justice and the resilience of the victims. The courage displayed by these young victims over the past two years is genuinely commendable.”
How did this distressing crime come to be uncovered?
In 2022, Walton County deputies received reports regarding child sexual abuse material uploaded to a Google account. During the investigation, they encountered Hunter Lawless, who confessed to receiving such materials from Zachary Zulock.
As the investigation progressed, authorities uncovered harrowing evidence against Zachary Zulock and William Dale Zulock. It was revealed that the couple had been sexually abusing their adopted sons, aged 12 and 10. According to the New York Post, Lawless had previously stated that Zachary sent him several messages on Snapchat indicating his intent to assault his son, including a message that read, “I’m going to f— my son tonight. Stand by,” along with sharing materials depicting the abuse.
The couple, arrested in 2022, pleaded guilty to charges including aggravated sodomy, sexual exploitation of children, and child molestation.
