A Helen man has been indicted on multiple child sex exploitation charges following an investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
The White County Grand Jury indicted 38-year-old Thomas Jesse Walker earlier this month on six counts of sexual exploitation of children. He also faces charges of possessing a Schedule I controlled substance and drug-related objects.
Walker was arrested on October 24, 2024, after the GBI’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes (CEACC) Unit executed a search warrant and allegedly found child sexual abuse material. The Helen Police Department assisted with the arrest.
Walker’s case was one of several presented during the reconvened April term of the White County Grand Jury. The jury returned 16 true bills of indictment.
Also indicted was Samantha Phatara Staves, who faces multiple charges, including entering an auto, financial transaction card theft, and financial transaction card fraud.
The indictments were formally presented to the White County Superior Court on July 11.
