Ellenwood Man Arrested for Sexually Exploiting Teens in Roswell

ROSWELL, Ga.—A 21-year-old man has been arrested on child sexual exploitation charges after a police investigation found he allegedly targeted and abused multiple young teens he met online.

The investigation began in August after a juvenile victim reported a sexual assault. Investigators with the Roswell Police Department (RPD) determined that the victim had connected with the suspect, Lorenzo Abarca, through Snapchat before being sexually abused in person. A forensic analysis of the victim’s phone provided evidence of additional victims.

As the investigation progressed, RPD identified at least four more victims in Roswell who had also been sexually exploited online by Abarca. Some of the victims were also physically abused and provided with drugs and alcohol.

On September 3, Abarca was arrested and charged with obscene internet contact with a child, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor, and sodomy. Warrants are pending for the additional identified victims, and investigators believe there may be more.

A Word to Parents

The RPD is using this case as a stark reminder for parents to be vigilant about their children’s online safety. They encourage parents to have open conversations with their teens, set clear expectations for social media use, and regularly monitor their online activity. The department also emphasizes that children should never meet in person with someone they only know from online interactions.

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to contact Detective Vega at ivega@roswellgov.com or 770-640-4498. Anonymous tips can be provided through Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS(8477) or online at www.StopCrimeATL.org.