Vidalia Man Charged With Child Sexual Exploitation Following GBI Cyber Tip Investigation

VIDALIA, Ga. – A Vidalia man has been arrested and charged with sexual exploitation of children following a Georgia Bureau of Investigation probe into the suspected online possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.

The GBI identified the suspect as Stewart Jon Reaves, 33, of Vidalia. Reaves was arrested Wednesday, Aug. 19, and booked into the Toombs County Jail.

According to the GBI, its Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit began investigating Reaves in April 2025 after receiving a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

The report concerned Reaves’ alleged online activity and the possible possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, commonly referred to as CSAM.

Investigators did not disclose what online service or platform was involved or how much suspected material was identified during the investigation.

The investigation ultimately led authorities to obtain a charge against Reaves.

He has been charged with one count of Sexual Exploitation of Children.

The Vidalia Police Department assisted the GBI with the investigation.

Anyone with information about other cases of child exploitation is asked to contact the GBI CEACC Unit at 404-270-8870 or submit a tip via the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children CyberTipline at Cybertipline.org. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online.