Screven County Sheriff’s Office makes arrest in child exploitation case

SYLVANIA, Ga. (WTOC) - The Screven County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) announced the arrest of Quinton Kirkland, of Sylvania, in connection with an ongoing investigation involving the sexual exploitation of children Tuesday.

The arrest is the result of a coordinated multi-agency investigation conducted by the SCSO and the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office.

During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized several electronic devices that were found to contain more than 500 files depicting children engaged in sexually explicit acts.

Sheriff Norman Royal says a priority of his this year is to strengthen efforts to make Screven County a safer place for families and children. As part of that commitment, Royal has expanded his team with individuals who are highly trained in the investigation of internet crimes against children, as well as other offenses involving child victims.

With this addition in personnel, the agency is now affiliated, for the first time, with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is a specialized law enforcement network focused on investigating technology-facilitated crimes against children, identifying offenders, supporting victim-centered investigations, and providing agencies with training, resources, and investigative assistance in cases involving the online exploitation of minors.

Sheriff Royal said, “The protection of children in our community is one of our highest responsibilities. Crimes involving the exploitation of children will not be tolerated in Screven County. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and use every resource available to identify offenders, protect victims, and hold those responsible fully accountable.”

The Screven County Sheriff’s Office encourages parents and guardians to remain vigilant in monitoring their children’s online activity and reminds the community that the protection of children remains one of the agency’s highest priorities.

This investigation is active, and more charges may follow.