A former law enforcement officer and Gilmer County resident is behind bars, facing multiple charges of sexual exploitation of children.
The Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office arrested Stephen Hewitt, 69, Wednesday, April 30, following an investigation into alleged child exploitation crimes.
The investigation started at the end of March, after GCSO received a cyber-tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. It’s a national program that works to investigate, prosecute and develop effective responses to internet crimes against kids.
Detectives executed five search warrants. Evidence obtained from Hewitt’s digital devices resulted in him being charged with seven counts of sexual exploitation of children, according to GCSO.
Deputies said Hewitt served as an officer for 30 years at two separate law enforcement agencies in the metro Atlanta area.
“When it comes to protecting the most vulnerable, our children, no one is above the law, no matter what your career or position in life,” Sheriff Stacy Nicholson stated. “I commend my employees and their everyday commitment to protecting the citizens of this county and the state of Georgia.”
Hewitt is being held at the Gilmer County Detention Center without bond. This is an ongoing investigation.