Arrest made in Candler County child sexual exploitation investigation; suspect found in Kentucky

CANDLER COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - An arrest has been made in a child sexual exploitation investigation.

In March 2026, the Candler County Sheriff’s Office said they received a report involving the sexual exploitation of a child under the age of 10 within Candler County.

Throughout the course of the investigation, law enforcement said a suspect was located in Franklin County, Kentucky.

A joint investigation was initiated with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

“This case started here at home and led well beyond our borders. Sgt. Ashleigh Taylor and Sgt. Gatlin Holloway put in the kind of work these cases demand. It’s not easy, and it’s not quick. It takes time, patience, and a commitment to see it through,” wrote the Candler County Sheriff’s Office on social media.

Monday, investigators traveled to Kentucky to help advance this case, the next day a search warrant was executed at a home in Franklin County.

The suspect was taken into custody and is facing multiple charges related to the investigation.

“As part of this investigation, they traveled to Kentucky, over nine hours from Candler County to continue the work and bring this case forward. That kind of effort doesn’t happen by accident,” continued the sheriff’s office. “Because of their work, and the partnership with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, a suspect is now in custody.”