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BEN HILL COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - A Ben Hill County man has been arrested following an investigation into the alleged possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, according to the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office.

On Aug. 5, 2026, the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office conducted an operation as part of a coordinated investigation targeting crimes involving child sexual abuse material.

The investigation began after the sheriff’s office received a cybertip from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Investigators said they were able to identify a suspect believed to be involved in offenses related to child sexual abuse material.

As part of the investigation, authorities executed a search warrant at a residence on the east side of Ben Hill County. During the search, investigators located and seized multiple items of evidentiary value for forensic examination.

At the time the search warrant was executed, the suspect was not at the residence. Investigators continued working to locate the individual, and several hours later, Tony Hutchinson was taken into custody during a traffic stop.

According to the sheriff’s office, Hutchinson was arrested without incident and transported to the Ben Hill County Jail.

Hutchinson faces multiple charges related to child sexual abuse material. Additional charges could be filed as forensic examinations and the investigation continue.

The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office.

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