Thirteen Arrested in Peach County Child Sex Exploitation Operation
Peach County, Georgia – A two-day undercover operation targeting online child exploitation led to the arrest of thirteen individuals in Peach County. The operation, conducted October 2 and 3, was a joint effort between the Peach County Sheriff’s Office, the Byron Police Department, and Covenant Rescue Group (CRG).
Investigators established an online presence across multiple platforms to identify and arrest individuals attempting to commit sex acts with minors. Officials say the suspects believed they were communicating with underage boys and girls.
Those arrested include:
- Dennis Jacques, 65, Lizella, GA
- Antwan Devereux, 32, Macon, GA
- Avery Simmons, 32, Rincon, GA
- Shedrick Smith, 33, Warner Robins, GA
- Mikel Williams, 44, Warner Robins, GA
- Timothy Newman, 49, Milledgeville, GA (also had outstanding felony warrants from Indiana)
- Yohannas Hollis, 29, Perry, GA
- Joshua Ball, 36, Dry Branch, GA
- Eddie Torres, 24, Spartanburg, SC
- Derrick Cooper, 33, Macon, GA
- Malik Boykins, 29, Perry, GA
- Amarion Vance, 19, Warner Robins, GA
All were charged with Obscene Internet Contact with a Child and Use of a Computer Service to Seduce, Solicit, Lure, or Entice a Child to Commit an Illegal Act. Authorities say additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.
Peach County Sheriff Terry Shannon and Byron Police Chief Cannon credited the success of the operation to strong interagency cooperation and CRG’s specialized expertise in combating human trafficking and child exploitation.
“This community will not tolerate this type of activity,” Sheriff Shannon said. “Working together allows us to be proactive in protecting our children.”
Both agencies say they plan to conduct similar operations in the future.
