Former Police Officer Arrested in Gilmer County on Child Exploitation Charges

The Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) announced the arrest of Stephen Wayne Hewitt, 69, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, following an investigation into alleged child exploitation crimes.

The investigation commenced in late March after the GCSO received a cyber tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Over the course of the investigation, GCSO detectives executed five search warrants. Evidence obtained from personal digital devices resulted in Hewitt being charged with seven counts of Sexual Exploitation of Children.

Hewitt is identified as a former law enforcement officer with approximately 30 years of service at two separate agencies in the metro Atlanta area. He is currently being held without bond.

Sheriff Stacy Nicholson stated, “When it comes to protecting the most vulnerable, our children, no one is above the law, no matter what your career or position in life. I commend my employees and their everyday commitment to protecting the citizens of this county and the State of Georgia. They do a great job.”

The investigation is ongoing.