Cartersville, Georgia – A joint investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit, the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the arrest of a Bartow County man.  Robert Dean, 43 years of age, was arrested on Wednesday evening, January 4, 2017 at his residence, 5590  Highway 20 E, #3115, Cartersville, Georgia by members of the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children’s (ICAC) Task Force.  Dean was lodged at the Bartow County jail where he was charged with Sexual Exploitation of Children-Possession of Child Pornography. 

The arrest of Dean was the result of a proactive investigation initiated by the Georgia ICAC Task Force that seeks to target those that possess and distribute illegal child abuse images. A search warrant was executed at Dean’s residence where numerous electronic devices were seized.  

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is the host agency for the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children’s (ICAC) Task Force.  The Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office are active member of the Georgia ICAC Task Force and these agencies routinely work together in matters of child exploitation.  This case is a great example of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in order to identify and hold accountable those that exploit children. 

The GBI Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit will conduct forensic analysis of the electronic devices belonging to Dean and more charges are possible.

ASAC Brian Johnston | GBI - CEACC | 404/270-8870