More than a dozen suspects were arrested as part of a statewide law enforcement operation targeting the sexual exploitation of children, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested and charged Joseph Murphy, 40, of Bainbridge, with sexual exploitation of children. In Oct. 2024, the GBI began an investigation into Murphy’s online activity after receiving a cyber tipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding the possible online possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.

The Decatur County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are investigating after the body of a female was found Wednesday morning, according to a press release from DCSO.

Georgia Bureau of Investigations is investigating a death after a body was found Wednesday morning in Bainbridge.

Operation Byte Down, a statewide child exploitation operation has led to the arrest of 17 total people with six being from local areas. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said they carried out the operation alongside 33 other agencies that are members of the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Timothy Campbell was arrested by the GBI on multiple counts related to child sexual exploitation, following an investigation initiated by reports of his online interactions with minors.