MILTON SCOTT PRUITT, 40, of Forsyth County, Georgia, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of receiving and possessing child pornography...
Gainesville, GA - MILTON SCOTT PRUITT, 40, of Forsyth County, Georgia, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of receiving and possessing child pornography.
United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said of the case, “It is disturbing when someone entrusted with public safety exploits his position to commit crimes. This former deputy sheriff is charged with using his access to the Forsyth County computer server to receive and view child pornography (images gathered as evidence in the Sheriff Office’s child exploitation investigations). Those who receive and possess child pornography–that is, images of children being sexually exploited-- support a vile industry that causes immense harm to innocent children. This former law enforcement officer is part of the problem, unlike the vast majority of officers who are part of the solution.”
According to United States Attorney Nahmias, the charges and other information presented in court: On or about March 15, 2007, PRUITT allegedly knowingly received child pornography on his Forsyth County-issued computer. The three-count indictment also charges that continuing through on or about May 16, 2007, PRUITT knowingly received graphic images on his home computer, the production of which involved the use of minor children engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government's burden to prove a defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The charges carry a maximum sentence of 50 years in prison and a fine of up to $750,000.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney's Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorneys Francey Hakes and Corey Steinberg are prosecuting the case.