Macon Couple Arrested in GBI Child Exploitation Investigation

MACON, Ga. – A Macon couple has been arrested following a months-long Georgia Bureau of Investigation probe into the online possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.

Scott Stephen Howard, 42, is charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of second-degree cruelty to children. Sally Elaine Howard, 37, is charged with one count of second-degree cruelty to children. Her bond was set at $16,500. Scott’s bond has not been set.

Both were arrested on Monday, Sept. 14, and booked into the Bibb County Jail.

The investigation began in April when the GBI’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit launched a proactive investigation targeting the online possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.

Investigators said the case eventually led them to a home in Macon. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the residence, resulting in the arrests of Scott and Sally Howard.

The GBI did not release details about the evidence investigators say they recovered or explain the circumstances behind the cruelty to children charges.

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Houston County Sheriff’s Office, GBI Special Operations Unit and members of the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force assisted with the investigation. For the GBI, the Assistant Special Agent in charge is Renea Green and can be contacted via email: Renea.Green@gbi.ga.gov.

Anyone with information about child exploitation cases can contact the GBI’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit at 404-270-8870. Anonymous tips can be submitted to the GBI at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477) or through its online tip system.