A registered sex offender has been arrested in Douglas County, Georgia, on suspicion of aggravated child molestation after an investigation involving the FBI and local deputies.
Federal agents contacted the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office on Monday over an investigation into child exploitation, authorities said. Material reviewed by the FBI allegedly showed a man abusing a child, with both the suspected offender and victim linked to the county.
Investigators identified the child and named the suspect as Robert Burford, who officials said was living in Douglas County and listed on the sex offenders’ register.
A warrant was issued for his arrest on a charge of aggravated child molestation, along with a search warrant for his home. Deputies said they found and seized items at the property which appeared to correspond with objects visible in the material supplied by the FBI.
Burford was taken into custody and transported to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office jail.
The age and identity of the child have not been disclosed. Officials have also not said whether other victims have been identified or detailed all the items recovered during the search.
The sheriff’s office said further charges remained possible as the investigation continued.
