Out-of-State Suspect Arrested, Extradited to Haralson County in Child Sexual Exploitation Case

PRESS RELEASE – In May of 2025, we received a cybertip from the Internet Crimes against Children portal. The tip was opened and an investigation was begun by Investigator Nicole Wilson, one of our Crimes Against Children Specialist. Through her investigation, she determined that the suspected Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) did in fact contain a prepubescent child. Through a series of search warrants, Investigator Wilson was able to find out who the offender was, but by that time, the offender had left the state.

A warrant was secured by Investigator Wilson for Austin Peno for Sexual Exploitation of Child. Working with Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force members in Foley Alabama, Peno was taken into custody for his outstanding warrant in Haralson County.

Peno refused to sign extradition, so the Haralson County District Attorney’s Office filed for and received a Governor’s warrant. The Governor’s warrant was accepted by the State of Alabama and Peno was brought back on December 31, 2025. Austin Joseph Peno, a 24-year-old W/M out of Foley, Alabama, is currently facing the charge of Sexual Exploitation of Child, but the investigation is ongoing and there could be additional charges.

“Sexual crimes against children are some of the most heinous crimes that we see, and if you commit the contemptible act of possessing child sexual abuse images, we will charge you and we will come get you. You cannot hide from these charges,” states Sheriff Stacy Williams. “As I have said, these cases are difficult to work, and I appreciate the effort put in by Investigator Wilson on this case.”