GBI Arrests Alto Man in Child Exploitation Investigation

Paten Diontae Carter, age 17, of Alto, has been arrested by the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI) and charged with Aggravated Stalking and Child Exploitation. 

On May 14, the Cornelia Police Department requested the GBI to investigate a child exploitation allegation.   

Carter was booked into the Habersham County Detention Center on June 5. 

Earlier in May, a post on Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell’s official social media page reported that 17-year-old Paton Diontae Carter had been reported as a runaway teen and the Sheriff’s Office was seeking the public’s assistance in locating Carter. He had last been seen at his home on Newcastle Drive in Alto on May 10. Multiple comments on the post from area residents referred to Carter as a “sweet,” “polite,” and “bright” young man.

On May 11, it was reported on the post that Carter had been located and was safe. 

The GBI investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Cornelia Police Department at 706-778-4314 or the GBI regional investigative office in Cleveland at (706) 348-4866. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app. 

Once the investigation is complete, it will be given to the Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.