A former metro Atlanta law enforcement officer has been arrested in connection with a child exploitation investigation in Gilmer County.
According to the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office, Stephen Wayne Hewitt, 69, was taken into custody on Wednesday, April 30, following an investigation that began in late March after the sheriff’s office received a cyber tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
During the investigation, detectives executed five search warrants which led to the alleged discovery of incriminating evidence on personal digital devices. Hewitt has been charged with seven counts of sexual exploitation of children.
Authorities confirmed that Hewitt previously served for 30 years at two different law enforcement agencies in the metro Atlanta area. He is currently held without bond.
“When it comes to protecting the most vulnerable, our children, no one is above the law, no matter your career or position in life,” Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson said. “I commend my employees and their everyday commitment to protecting the citizens of this county.”
The investigation is ongoing.
