An investigation into a veteran police officer’s social media has led to his firing and charges of child exploitation.
Valdosta Police Lt. Jeremyah “J.B.” Jones was charged last week with one count of child exploitation and was later fired from the department, Police Chief Leslie Manahan told news outlets.
Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk said a social media account was brought to his department’s attention by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Paulk then conducted his own investigation.
Jones has been placed on administrative leave, as of April 3, according to Manahan. The sheriff’s office obtained an arrest warrant for Jones on April 14.
Jones has a 19-year career with the Valdosta Police Department. He most recently served as a traffic unit supervisor sergeant before he was promoted to lieutenant in March.
Jones was “well-known” throughout the community, according to sheriff’s officials. It is unclear whether Jones had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.
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