Former Boy Scout Leader Arrested on Child Molestation, Pornography Charges in North Georgia

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested Andrew Howard Whaley, 61, of Cumming, a former Boy Scout Leader, on multiple charges including aggravated child molestation, child molestation, and possession and creation of child pornography across Lumpkin and Forsyth counties.

The investigation began on April 18, 2025, after the GBI was requested to investigate a child molestation case involving Whaley in Lumpkin County. It was determined that Whaley allegedly sexually abused a boy he met during his time as a Scout Leader.

On May 16, 2025, GBI agents, with the assistance of the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office, executed search warrants at Whaley’s cabin and a business in Lumpkin County. During these searches, agents discovered evidence of child pornography.

Further investigation led to the alarming discovery of a hidden camera in a bathroom at Whaley’s home in Forsyth County, which authorities allege Whaley used to film minors.

Whaley faces charges in Lumpkin County for one count of aggravated child molestation, one count of child molestation, and one count of possession of child pornography. In Forsyth County, he has been charged with six counts of creation of child pornography and thirteen counts of Eavesdropping/Surveillance.

Whaley was arrested on May 16, 2025, and remains incarcerated at the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Cleveland at 706-348-4866 or the GBI Tipline at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477).

Once the investigation is complete it will be turned over to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office and the Bell-Forsyth District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.