‘You Cannot Hide’: Alabama Man Extradited to Georgia to Face Child Exploitation Charges
HARALSON COUNTY, Ga. – Following a seven-month investigation that spanned state lines, a 24-year-old Alabama man is behind bars in Georgia. Austin Joseph Peno was brought back to Haralson County on New Year’s Eve to face charges related to the possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
The Investigation: From CyberTip to Search Warrant
The case began in May 2025, when the Haralson County Sheriff’s Office received a digital alert through the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) portal. The tip was assigned to Investigator Nicole Wilson, a specialist in crimes against children.
Investigator Wilson’s initial review confirmed the severity of the material, determining that the images depicted a prepubescent child. Through a series of digital search warrants, Wilson successfully identified the suspect as Austin Peno. However, by the time the identification was made, Peno had already fled Georgia.
The Multi-State Apprehension
A warrant was secured for Peno’s arrest on charges of Sexual Exploitation of a Child. Haralson County authorities coordinated with ICAC Task Force members in Foley, Alabama, who located and apprehended Peno on the outstanding Georgia warrant.
The Extradition Battle
The legal process to bring Peno back to Georgia faced a hurdle when he refused to sign extradition papers—a voluntary agreement to return to the state where the charges were filed. In response, the Haralson County District Attorney’s Office initiated the process for a Governor’s warrant.
A Governor’s warrant is a formal request from the governor of the “demanding state” (Georgia) to the governor of the “asylum state” (Alabama). Once signed by both governors, it mandates the transfer of the prisoner regardless of their consent. Alabama accepted the warrant, and Peno was officially transferred back to Georgia on December 31, 2025.
Sheriff’s Statement
Haralson County Sheriff Stacy Williams issued a stern warning to those who engage in child exploitation, praising the persistence of his investigative team.
“Sexual crimes against children are some of the most heinous crimes that we see, and if you commit the contemptible act of possessing child sexual abuse images, we will charge you and we will come get you. You cannot hide from these charges,” said Sheriff Williams. “I appreciate the effort put in by Investigator Wilson on this case.”
Austin Joseph Peno remains in custody at the Haralson County Jail. Officials noted that while he currently faces one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child, the investigation remains active, and additional charges could be filed as forensic evidence is further reviewed.
