Ware County Man and Woman Charged After Child Exploitation Investigation Involving Girl Under 12
WAYCROSS, Ga. — Two adults have been arrested and charged with multiple felony offenses following a Ware County Sheriff’s Office investigation involving the alleged exploitation of a girl younger than 12 years old.
According to the Ware County Sheriff’s Office, detectives received intelligence information in early June that prompted a welfare check on the child. The investigation led detectives to 45-year-old Amy Michelle Crews of Waycross and 42-year-old Joel Christopher Heath of Blackshear.
Investigators said Crews was on parole and subject to a Fourth Amendment waiver, allowing detectives to examine her cellphone. During the review, detectives allegedly discovered evidence showing that Crews had taken nude images of the child and sent them to Heath in exchange for money.
Authorities said Crews admitted to sending the images to obtain funds to reinstate her driver’s license and for personal financial gain.
Crews was arrested by Ware County detectives on June 2 and charged with one felony count of Sexual Exploitation of Children. She also faces a parole violation.
Detectives identified Heath as the recipient of the images and alleged participant in the exploitation. Following additional investigation, interviews and the execution of search warrants, detectives obtained sufficient evidence to secure an arrest warrant.
Heath was arrested on June 4 and charged with seven felony counts of Sexual Exploitation of Children.
Both suspects were transported to the Ware County Jail, where they remain in custody after appearing before a Ware County magistrate. Bond was denied for both defendants.
The investigation was led by Detective Sgt. Dakota York with assistance from Detectives Kyle Strickland and Antony Phillips. Detective Capt. Melissa Thrift supervised the investigation as senior investigating officer.
Authorities said additional search warrants and records are being pursued as investigators continue examining the case. Additional charges could be filed as the investigation progresses.
“This type of behavior cannot and will not be tolerated,” Sheriff Carl James said in a statement. “I’m so glad that the detectives’ fine work will hopefully ensure these individuals will be held accountable in the courts and that this young girl will get some help.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information related to the activities of Amy Michelle Crews or Joel Christopher Heath is encouraged to contact the Ware County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 912-287-TIPS (8477) or submit information through the agency’s website. Anonymous tips are accepted.
