Two men arrested in White County for child sexual exploitation after separate investigations

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced the arrest of two men in White County for child sexual exploitation.

While the GBI’s announcement came with both Jonathan Sells and Thomas Walker reported together, the agency said the investigations were separate.

According to the GBI, Sells, 39 of Cleveland, was arrested on October 24 after a “proactive investigation into Sells’ online activities” was initiated by the GBI’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes (CEACC) Unit.

While executing a search warrant, investigators discovered that Sells possessed and distributed child sexual abuse material. When he was arrested, Sells was also charged with destruction of evidence. According to the GBI, the White County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations assisted in the arrest.

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Also in May, the GBI CEACC Unit began a proactive investigation into Walker, 37 of Helen. Officers obtained a search warrant for Walker’s home. When they searched his home, they found child sexual abuse material.

GBI and Helen police arrested Walker, also on October 24.

Both Sells and Walker were booked into the White County Jail.

The men were charged with the following offences.

Jonathan sells:

• Felony tampering with evidence

• 6 crimes of sexual exploitation of children – creating or possessing and selling visual media in which minors engage in sexually explicit conduct

Thomas Walker:

• 3 crimes of sexual exploitation of children – possession or control of material in which minors engage in sexually explicit conduct

• Possession and use of drug-related objects

• Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance – Marijuana, 1st Offense

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