A 17-year-old from Alto, identified as Paten Diontae Carter, has been arrested and is facing charges of aggravated stalking and child exploitation, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) took Carter into custody on June 5, 2024, following a referral from the Cornelia Police Department on May 14, 2024, to investigate an allegation related to child exploitation. FOX 5 Atlanta indicated that Carter was booked into the Habersham County Detention Center.
According to Now Habersham, which remain in jail without bond as of June 13, Carter is charged with sexual exploitation of children and two counts of aggravated stalking. The investigation that lead to his arrest is described as "active and ongoing." Those with any relevant information are being encouraged to step forward. Now Habersham shares authorities' requests that tips should be made to the Cornelia Police Department or to the GBI's regional office in Cleveland.
In an effort to support the ongoing investigation, the GBI is soliciting information that can be submitted anonymously. This can be done by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online via the GBI's tip submission page, or through the "See Something, Send Something" mobile app, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
Upon the completion of their investigation, Carter was confirmed to be booked at the Habersham County Detention Center. All evidence and information will be turned over to the Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution, as reported by Now Habersham. The seriousness of the charges reflects the gravity with which authorities treat offenses involving children and the vigilant efforts put forth to curb such exploitation. The cooperation of the community plays a significant role in these investigations, and the call for tips serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility in safeguarding the most vulnerable among us.
