A 58-year-old man was taken into custody earlier this week following an investigation in which authorities say he traveled from Hazlehurst to Telfair County for the purpose of meeting a child for sex.
Telfair Sheriff Chris Steverson stated deputies assigned to the GBI’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force were working in an undercover capacity several weeks ago when contact was established with an individual online who appeared to be actively seeking sexual contact with a child.
Posing as an underage female, investigators made arrangements to meet the suspect at a secluded location and awaited his arrival. As the suspect arrived at the prearranged location expecting sex with a child, he was instead met by the Telfair County sheriff.
Authorities stated the suspect, identified as Randy Wade Rowell of Hazlehurst, admitted at the time of his arrest his purpose for being at the location, as well as his intention to provide an alcoholic beverage in his possession to the perceived underage victim. The married suspect also stated he was the minister of a church.
Rowell has been charged with criminal attempt to commit child molestation and solicitation for sexual conduct with a child. He remains in custody, awaiting a bond determination.
Sheriff Steverson stated, “We will continue our partnership with the GBI’s ICAC Task Force, utilizing every resource available in safeguarding the most precious and vulnerable among us from sexual deviants who cloak themselves in the anonymity of the internet in seeking out innocence and attempting to lure underage victims into the darkness and away from their protectors.”