A Hogansville man is now at the center of a revived child sex abuse investigation in Troup County after deputies arrested him last Friday. Investigators say 45-year-old Jake Sweatt was taken into custody on April 10 and booked on two counts of rape. The case began with a report that a 10-year-old girl had been raped several years ago and expanded when a second victim came forward. The cases remain under active investigation, according to authorities.
The Troup County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division launched the initial probe and says investigators followed leads that ultimately led to Sweatt’s arrest, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. Local station WTVM reported Sweatt, 45, was arrested on April 10 and charged with two counts of rape; both alleged victims were under 16 when the incidents occurred.
Investigators asking for help
Deputies are asking anyone with information, or anyone who believes they may have been victimized, to contact Investigator Sara Zumwalde at 706-883-1616, officials said. Atlanta News First reports the investigation remains open as detectives pursue additional leads.
How these cases are handled locally
In Troup County, allegations of sexual abuse involving children are typically handled through a coordinated response that includes law enforcement, the Department of Family and Children Services and the local Children’s Advocacy Center. The Children’s Advocacy Center of Troup County says forensic interviews are conducted in a child-friendly setting by trained interviewers and, when needed, on-site medical exams and trauma-informed therapy are offered. Twin Cedars operates the CAC in LaGrange and coordinates those services for victims and families.
What comes next
Sweatt remains in custody on two felony counts. The charges are allegations and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Prosecutors and the sheriff’s office have not released additional details while the criminal investigation continues. Anyone with tips or who believes they may be a victim is urged to contact Investigator Zumwalde at the phone number listed above.
