In a joint effort between the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a successful operation named “Operation Byte Down” has resulted in the apprehension of 17 individuals in various locations across Georgia. This statewide initiative aimed to combat online child exploitation and abuse by coordinating the efforts of 33 law enforcement agencies.”
Children Rescued & Suspects Arrested
This Article Includes
Here’s what we know: The operation led to the discovery of 13 children living in homes where online child sexual exploitation was occurring. Furthermore, one suspect admitted to current or previous hands-on sexual assaults against children.
The authorities have apprehended and pressed charges against the following individuals for engaging in Sexual Exploitation of Children and associated offenses:
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- Kong Hon Yim, 63 (Duluth, Gwinnett County)
- Ezequiel Ortiz, 30 (Duluth, Gwinnett County)
- Jianglin Meng, 26 (Norcross, Gwinnett County)
- Morgan Albright, 18 (Winder, Barrow County)
- Steven Michael Yanizeski, 28 (Evans, Columbia County)
- Chaunansheng Fu, 28 (Doraville, DeKalb County)
- Steven Ray Mendenhall, 53 (Macon, Bibb County)
- Elvis Beltran Pineda, 25 (Alpharetta, Forsyth County)
- Richard Jason Lowery, 43 (Augusta, Richmond County)
- Patrick Dulebohn, 43 (Savannah, Chatham County)
- Dennis Farmer, 65 (Tifton, Tift County)
- Christian Havanki, 29 (Pooler, Chatham County)
- Thomas Walker, 37 (Helen, White County)
- Derrick Long, 25 (Kingsland, Camden County)
- Jonathan Sells, 39 (Cleveland, White County)
- Todd Shelton, 61 (Acworth, Cherokee County)
- Timothy Grimsley, 36 (Tifton, Tift County)
Operation Details & Investigation
Let’s dive in further: Law enforcement agencies conducted 30 residential search warrants throughout the state, resulting in the confiscation of 361 electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets, computers, and external storage devices. Moreover, forensic investigators examined 137 electronic devices on-site to gather additional evidence.
The operation focused on individuals engaged in technology-enabled crimes against children, which encompassed activities such as sharing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) through peer-to-peer file sharing, conducting undercover online interactions with child predators, and pursuing investigations prompted by CyberTips provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
More arrests could potentially be made as law enforcement officials continue to process the seized devices.
Participating Agencies
The operation involved collaboration between the Georgia ICAC Task Force, led by the GBI, and 33 law enforcement agencies. These agencies included local sheriff’s offices, police departments, the Georgia State Patrol, and the U.S. Secret Service.
Public Assistance & Reporting Tips
Here’s what you can do: If you have any information related to child exploitation, officials strongly encourage you to report it. You can make a report to the following authorities:
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- GBI Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit: 404-270-8870
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children CyberTipline: CyberTipline.org
- Anonymous tips: Call 1-800-597-TIPS (8477) or submit online at GBI’s tip line.
Operation Byte Down is an integral component of the ongoing initiative to combat online child exploitation and ensure that predators are brought to justice. This operation falls under the purview of the Georgia ICAC Task Force, which was specifically established to tackle the escalating menace of online child abuse.