A Chatsworth man has been arrested following an undercover operation conducted by the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit targeting individuals seeking to exploit children.
According to the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office, detectives with the Special Victims Unit concluded an operation on Thursday, July 16, 2026, that resulted in the arrest of Shawn Ridner. Investigators say Ridner allegedly attempted to meet with what he believed was a 14-year-old juvenile for indecent purposes.
Following the investigation, Ridner was charged with Sexual Exploitation of Children under O.C.G.A. 16-12-100(g)(1).
The Sheriff’s Office said the arrest is another example of the work being done by the recently established Special Victims Unit, which focuses on investigating crimes involving children and vulnerable victims. Officials say the unit has already made significant progress in identifying and arresting individuals accused of preying on children in Whitfield County.
Sheriff Darren Pierce issued a strong warning to anyone who seeks to victimize children in the community.
“We will find you, and you will be held accountable,” Pierce said. “We will not allow innocent and vulnerable citizens of this county to be victimized.”
The Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office said it remains committed to protecting children and aggressively pursuing those accused of exploiting or attempting to exploit minors. The investigation remains ongoing.