Milledgeville man arrested on child exploitation charge

Anyone with information about other cases of child exploitation is asked to contact the GBI Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit at 404-270-8870 or submit a tip through the CyberTipline at Cybertipline.org.

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — A man was arrested for sexual exploitation of children following an online investigation, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

21-year-old Zakarie Ralston of Milledgeville was charged with one count of sexual exploitation of children.

Investigators with the GBI’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit began looking into Ralston’s online activity in January 2026 after receiving a Cyber Tipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding the possession of child sexual abuse material.

Authorities said the investigation led to Ralston’s arrest and the execution of a search warrant at his home in Baldwin County.

Ralston was booked into the Baldwin County Jail.

Anyone with information about other cases of child exploitation is asked to contact the GBI Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit at 404-270-8870 or submit a tip through the CyberTipline at Cybertipline.org. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS or online through the GBI website or mobile app.