A 36-year-old Gwinnett County man was arrested in Woodstock, GA on Tuesday, April 21st. He was charged with 13 separate criminal counts including attempted child molestation, sexual exploitation of a child, eight counts of obscene internet contact with a minor, and three counts of using the internet to entice a child for illegal sexual acts. All of these charges are very serious crimes, that carry very long-term, serious consequences.
Approximately two weeks prior to the arrest, investigators began posing as a 15-year-old child and interacting with the man online. Eventually, the man made the move to arrange a time and place to meet the child for sex. It was at that meeting that investigators were able to take him into custody. He currently remains in custody, without bond, while the investigation continues.
As part of any type of investigation that involves use of a computer or internet, authorities are required to seize that property. A full forensic investigation is done to retrieve all documents, images, files, and communication that can be used as evidence of the crime. Sex crimes involving children carry very serious prison sentences and fines. The charge of sexual exploitation of a child alone is a felony in the state of Georgia that will result in prison time of five to 20 years, and fines up to $100,000. In this case, that is only one of the 13 major alleged crimes.
No Defendant should attempt to defend these types of crimes on his or her own. Experience and expertise is required in order to obtain the best possible outcome. In addition, it is not recommended that a Defendant speak to authorities, or willingly proved any evidence without an attorney present. Doing so can cause irreparable damage to your defense. It is highly recommended that an attorney be contacted as soon as possible when sex crimes are alleged.