Traffic Stop in Toccoa Leads to Arrest of Demorest Man on Felony Child Crime Warrants
TOCCOA, Ga.—A traffic stop in Toccoa led to the arrest of a Demorest man wanted on several serious charges related to alleged sexual misconduct with a minor.
On Monday, September 29, Stephens County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a traffic stop on a blue truck on Highway 123. The driver, Jonathan Scott Barker, 38, of Demorest, was confirmed to have active warrants and was arrested without incident.
The warrants for Barker’s arrest were issued last Thursday, September 25, following an extensive investigation by the Sheriff’s Office. The probe began earlier in the week after an individual reported alleged inappropriate text messaging and contact with Barker. Investigators conducted forensic interviews, which established enough probable cause for the arrest.
Barker is currently being held at the Stephens County Jail without bond on the following felony charges:
- Enticing a Child for Indecent Purposes
- Child Molestation
- Sexual Battery Against Child Under 16
- Grooming of a Minor
- Using Computer Service to Seduce, Solicit, Lure or Entice Child to Commit Illegal Act
Barker has been denied bond by a magistrate judge and awaits a hearing with a superior court judge. The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that this is an ongoing investigation and encourages anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at (706) 886-7048.
