GBI Announces Arrests in Child Pornography Investigation

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has announced the arrest of a Habersham County man and Rabun County man as part of a three-month child pornography investigation.

Called “Operation MasqueRAID”, it began in July and the GBI says it centered on agents detecting child pornography images being shared using the Internet.

The GBI said the purpose of the operation was to arrest persons who possessed, produced, or distributed images of child pornography using the Internet.

According to the agency, the targets of the operation were the most prolific offenders of child pornography laws.

18 arrests have been made so far in connection with “Operation MasqueRAID after 44 search warrants were executed in 31 counties Wednesday.

Those arrested were charged with violating the Computer Pornography and Child Exploitation Prevention Act of 2007.

The GBI said among those arrested were 24-year-old Jonathon Earls of Habersham County and 47-year-old Clark Bowen of Rabun County.

GBI officials said more arrests are expected statewide in connection with the investigation.

Approximately 29 local law enforcement agencies assisted the GBI in this operation.