A Dawsonville man was recently arrested on charges of sexual exploitation of children after an investigation by local and state authorities.
A social media post by the Dawson County Sheriff's Office Friday said Joshua Ray West, age 34, was arrested after an investigation found an electronic device that contained what officials called exploitative material.
West is a registered sex offender who was previously convicted of rape and aggravated child molestation.
“We are proud of our investigators and especially for their efforts to pursue those who commit crimes against our children," Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson said. " As always, we plead with our parents, grandparents, caregivers and others to closely monitor your children’s activities online. We must do all we can to protect and safeguard our children against those who would cause them harm.”
The investigation was conducted by the sheriff's office's crime against persons unit and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. West was arrested on June 30 and booked into the Dawson County Detention Center, where he remains as of Saturday on more than $27,000 bond.
Sheriff's office officials said West's devices are still being examined for the possibility of further evidence.
