Crime & Safety

Kennesaw Doctor Indicted in Child Porn Case

Dr. Andrew Sutton allegedly distributed child pornography to an undercover officer.

Dr. Andrew Sutton, a Kennesaw ear, nose and throat doctor, was ordered detained in a hearing Wednesday after his March 21 arrest on a federal criminal indictment for the distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography.

According to United States Attorney Sally Yates and information presented in court, in May 2010, Sutton, 48, used his computer to engage in an online discussion with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as an adult female with two children. Sutton allegedly solicited nude photographs of the children and transmitted several images of child pornography to the officer. 

According to prosecutors, Sutton also used his web camera to transmit his own image to the undercover officer. 

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Cobb police subsequently executed a search warrant at Sutton's home, seizing several computers and external data storage devices containing additional images of child pornography.

Police also found numerous sexually explicit communications allegedly between Sutton and individuals who identified themselves online as minors. According to prosecutors, Sutton encouraged minors to take sexually explicit photographs of themselves, and also advised them to participate in sex acts, including sexual acts with animals.

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“Despite the ongoing publicity relating to undercover operations designed to catch people who are shopping for or trading sexually explicit images of children online, these investigations continue to succeed," said Yates. "Those caught are not limited to any socioeconomic status. We will continue to dedicate prosecutorial and investigative resources to root these criminals out of our community.”

The case was investigated by the Cobb County Police Department and Special Agents of the United States Secret Service.

"As parents we strive to maintain the safety and innocence of our children. The Secret Service takes an aggressive approach towards the prevention and investigation of cyber sexual misconduct with children, specifically child pornography," said Reginald Moore of the United States Secret Service, Atlanta Field Office. "This case demonstrates our commitment to work with our local law enforcement partners to track down child cyber predators in an effort to keep the internet, and our communities, as safe as possible.”

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jill Steinberg as a priority of the Justice Department's Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched the nationwide initiative in an effort to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.


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