News Summary
A 43-year-old man from Savannah, Patrick Thomas Dulebohn, has been indicted by a Chatham County grand jury on serious charges of sexual exploitation of children. This indictment stems from evidence gathered during Operation Byte Down, which resulted in the arrest of 17 individuals across Georgia, pointing to the ongoing issue of child exploitation online. Law enforcement identified 13 children in households with evident online child exploitation, highlighting the urgency of addressing these crimes.
Savannah – A 43-year-old man from Savannah has been indicted by a Chatham County grand jury on charges of sexual exploitation of children. Patrick Thomas Dulebohn is facing serious allegations following a statewide child exploitation operation conducted in February known as “Operation Byte Down.” The operation has resulted in the arrest of 17 individuals across the state of Georgia.
The Chatham County Grand Jury found sufficient evidence against Dulebohn, determining that he knowingly possessed images depicting a minor engaged in sexual activity. The incidents referenced in the indictment took place on January 29, 2025.
The operation, conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit, involved a collaborative effort among 33 agencies as part of the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. This statewide initiative aimed to combat online child sexual exploitation and raise awareness about this critical issue.
During the course of Operation Byte Down, law enforcement officials identified 13 children living in households where online child sexual exploitation was evident. This alarming revelation underscores the pressing need for vigilance and action against child exploitation in Georgia and beyond.
Among the individuals arrested during this operation, it was revealed that one person confessed to having current or past hands-on sexual offenses against a child, highlighting the seriousness of the charges and the urgency with which law enforcement is addressing these crimes.
Child exploitation remains a significant concern nationally and locally, prompting ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to protect vulnerable populations. The ICAC Task Force works to target offenders who exploit children through the internet, conducting undercover operations, and providing resources for community awareness and education.
Officials have noted that Operation Byte Down is part of a larger commitment to prevent child exploitation and ensure that those who are guilty of such crimes are held accountable. The recent indictments are reflective of law enforcement’s dedication to thoroughly investigating and prosecuting offenders while working to keep children safe from harm.
The community response to child exploitation has called for increased awareness and safety measures, encouraging parents and guardians to monitor online activities and engage in discussions with their children about internet safety. Programs focusing on prevention, education, and resources continue to be developed and implemented throughout the state to combat these issues.
The legal process will now continue as Patrick Thomas Dulebohn faces the charges outlined in the indictment. The outcomes will depend on the evidence presented in court and the legal proceedings that will ensue in the coming months.
Authorities stress the importance of community awareness and reporting suspicious activities related to child exploitation. Cooperation between law enforcement and the public is crucial in the fight against these heinous crimes, and everyone plays a role in safeguarding children from exploitation.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Savannah Man Indicted for Sexual Exploitation of Children
- Wikipedia: Child Exploitation
- WSAV: 17 Arrested on Sexual Exploitation Charges
- Google Search: Child Exploitation
- WESH: Former Melbourne Day Care Teacher Arrested
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
- Click Orlando: Fired Melbourne Daycare Worker Accused of Child Abuse
- Google News: Child Abuse
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
