Athens Man Arrested for Online Child Sexual Exploitation

Authorities say the investigation received help from the FBI and GBI.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:53pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered mobile phone screen, the cracked glass reflecting a faint blue light, conceptually representing the digital evidence gathered in an investigation into online child exploitation.The arrest of a suspected online child predator exposes the grim reality of digital exploitation that law enforcement works tirelessly to address.Athens Today

A 39-year-old Athens man named Timothy Lee Randles has been arrested on charges related to the sexual exploitation of children online. The investigation began in March after a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about Randles' alleged possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.

Why it matters

This case is part of an ongoing effort by Athens-Clarke County authorities to identify individuals involved in the trade of child sexual abuse material, which is a serious crime with devastating impacts on vulnerable victims.

The details

The Athens-Clarke County Special Victims Unit launched the investigation in March after receiving the tip from NCMEC about Randles' alleged activities. The investigation received assistance from the FBI and Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

  • The investigation began in March 2026.
  • Randles was arrested in April 2026.

The players

Timothy Lee Randles

A 39-year-old Athens resident who was arrested on charges related to the sexual exploitation of children online.

Athens-Clarke County Special Victims Unit

The police department unit that launched the investigation into Randles.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)

The organization that provided the initial tip to authorities about Randles' alleged activities.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The federal law enforcement agency that assisted with the investigation.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI)

The state-level law enforcement agency that also assisted with the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“This investigation, which received help from the FBI and the GBI, is part of an ongoing effort to identify individuals who trade child sexual abuse material.”

— Detective Dara Shapland, Athens-Clarke County Special Victims Unit

What’s next

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information about the case or other instances of child exploitation to come forward.

The takeaway

This arrest highlights the continued efforts by law enforcement to crack down on the exploitation of children online, an issue that requires vigilance and collaboration across multiple agencies to address.