Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Cobb County Man on Three Counts of First-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office

Press Release

In 2025, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by a concerned parent who requested to speak with investigators regarding an older man who was allegedly paying minor girls in exchange for sexually explicit photographs.

In 2026, Detective Sparks assumed the lead role in the case and immediately began an extensive investigation into the allegations. During the investigation, detectives identified electronic communications and financial transactions involving payments allegedly made in exchange for sexually explicit photographs of minors.

Detective Sparks determined that the suspect lived outside North Carolina and had also attempted, on several occasions, to arrange in-person meetings with minors.

With assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, detectives conducted an extensive review of the available digital and financial evidence. Detective Sparks was able to confidently link the social media accounts and banking records to Jeffrey Dean Ives, 60 of Cobb County, Georgia.

Based upon the evidence obtained during the investigation, Detective Sparks secured arrest warrants charging Ives with:

• Three counts of First-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

Because Ives resided outside North Carolina, Cherokee County detectives coordinated with the Cobb County Police Department Special Victims Unit in Georgia. Investigators worked together to organize the apprehension of Ives and the execution of a search warrant for electronic devices and other potential evidence connected to the investigation.

On July 21, 2026, Detective Sparks and LT. Henderson traveled to Cobb County, Georgia, where they assisted the Cobb County Police Department in taking Jeffrey Ives into custody. A search warrant was also executed, and multiple items of potential evidence were seized for further examination.

This arrest was the result of a lengthy and detailed investigation involving digital evidence, financial records, social media accounts, and cooperation between law enforcement agencies across state lines.

Sheriff Chris Wood stated: “Those who target and exploit children should understand that jurisdictional boundaries will not protect them. Our detectives will follow the evidence wherever it leads and work with any agency necessary to identify these offenders, locate them, and bring them before the court. I am proud of our detectives and everyone involved in this investigation for refusing to let distance or state lines stand in the way of protecting children.”

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend a special thank-you to the Cobb County Police Department, particularly its Special Victims Unit, for its hard work, professionalism, and partnership throughout this investigation. The Sheriff’s Office also thanks the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for providing valuable assistance that helped investigators identify the suspect and connect him to the accounts involved.

The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue reviewing the evidence obtained during the execution of the search warrant. Additional charges may be pursued if supported by the evidence.

To protect the privacy and well-being of the minor victims, no identifying information concerning them will be released.

Anyone with information concerning this investigation or similar activity involving Ives is encouraged to contact the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office or the Cobb County Police Department.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.