PRESS RELEASE – On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) arrested Stephen Wayne Hewitt, age 69, following an investigation into alleged child exploitation crimes.

The investigation began in late March after GCSO received a cyber tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Throughout the course of the investigation, GCSO detectives executed five search warrants. Evidence obtained from personal digital devices led to Hewitt being charged with .

Hewitt is a former law enforcement officer who served approximately 30 years at two separate law enforcement agencies in the metro Atlanta area. .

Sheriff Stacy Nicholson issued the following statement:

“When it comes to protecting the most vulnerable, our children, no one is above the law, no matter what your career or position in life. I commend my employees and their everyday commitment to protecting the citizens of this county and the State of Georgia. They do a great job.”

This investigation remains ongoing. No further details will be released at this time.