GBI arrest 2 individuals on child sex crimes
Two individuals were apprehended and charged with the most serious of child sex crimes after the GBI concluded a month-long investigation.
On Tuesday, November 13, Cody Whitmire, 22 of Tiger, was charged with 6 counts of child molestation, one count of exploitation of a child and one count of statutory rape.
Tamtha Watts was also arrested for one count of child molestation.
Whitmire was previously employed within Rabun County as a volunteer Fire Fighter for Station 12. But according to fire service officials, was immediately terminated upon learning of the alleged charges against Whitmire.
The investigation began mid-October when the GBI Cleveland Office and the GBI Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit launched a joint investigation into an individual in Rabun County who was believed to have been in possession of graphic
images and committing child molestation.
As the investigation unfolded, agents were able to corroborate that these crimes were being committed.
The Rabun County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation.
Upon completion of the investigation, the case will be provided to the Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney for prosecution.
According to Kimberly Williams Special Agent in Charge at the GBI Cleveland Office, the child was safe during the investigation. Additional charges are also expected upon completion of the investigation.