Forsyth man arrested for child sexual exploitation, GBI says – WGXA

Report on Arrest Related to Child Sexual Exploitation in Monroe County, Georgia

Incident Overview

In Monroe County, Georgia, a 23-year-old man from Forsyth, Billy Joe Landon Hopper, was arrested on multiple counts of sexual exploitation of children. The arrest highlights ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which emphasizes the importance of promoting just, peaceful, and inclusive societies.

Investigation Details

1. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), through its Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit, initiated an investigation into Hopper’s online activities in June 2025.
2. The investigation was prompted by a tip indicating Hopper’s possession of child sexual abuse material.
3. Following months of inquiry, Hopper was arrested on January 28, 2026, and subsequently booked into the Monroe County Jail.

Call for Public Assistance

The GBI urges anyone with information regarding other cases of child sexual exploitation to come forward. This call to action supports SDG 16 by encouraging community participation in strengthening institutions and ensuring accountability.

• Contact Number: (404) 270-8870

Relevance to Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): The arrest and ongoing investigation demonstrate commitment to upholding justice and protecting vulnerable populations, particularly children, from exploitation and abuse.
• SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Addressing child sexual exploitation contributes to protecting the rights and safety of all children, including girls who are disproportionately affected by such crimes.
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Preventing child exploitation is critical to safeguarding the mental and physical health of children, ensuring their well-being and development.

Conclusion

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public to combat child exploitation. It aligns with global efforts to promote safe and inclusive societies where children can grow free from violence and abuse.

Source: WGXA News

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses the arrest of an individual for sexual exploitation of children, highlighting issues related to justice, law enforcement, and protection of vulnerable populations.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Although not explicitly stated, child sexual exploitation disproportionately affects girls and women, linking the issue to gender equality and protection from violence.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Child sexual exploitation has severe impacts on physical and mental health, thus relating to the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for Target 16.2:
   • Number of victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation identified and assisted.
   • Number of arrests and prosecutions related to child sexual exploitation cases.
2. Indicator for Target 16.3:
   • Proportion of victims of violence who report their victimization to competent authorities.
   • Access to justice metrics, such as case resolution rates for sexual exploitation crimes.
3. Indicator for Target 5.2:
   • Prevalence of sexual violence against women and girls, including child sexual exploitation.
4. Indicator for Target 3.4:
   • Prevalence of mental health conditions among victims of sexual exploitation.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: wgxa.tv