Cartersville Man Convicted of Producing Child Pornography

ROME, Ga. – In a disturbing case of child exploitation, Ian Alicea Prewett, a 30-year-old man from Cartersville, Georgia, has pleaded guilty to producing and distributing child pornography.

Prewett’s guilty plea, announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, reveals a shocking pattern of abuse. According to court documents, Prewett enticed minors under the age of 18 to send him sexually explicit images, and even traveled to Alabama to meet and engage in sex acts with a minor.

Prewett’s victims included a minor under eight years old living in the United Kingdom, who he instructed to send him pictures and videos of herself performing sexual acts. He also directed a minor from Mobile, Alabama to do the same. Prewett’s actions were uncovered by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Cobb County Police Department, Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and Wiltshire Police (United Kingdom).

“Prewett preyed upon innocent children by enticing them to send him sexually explicit images and then victimized two minors, including during an out-of-state trip, by sexually assaulting those children,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “This office remains steadfast in our commitment to work with our law enforcement partners to uncover and prosecute child sexual predators attempting to lurk behind the anonymity of the internet.”

The case against Prewett is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Attorney General in 2006 to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Prewett’s sentencing is scheduled for September 3, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge William M. Ray, II in Rome, Georgia.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Theodore S. Hertzberg and Calvin A. Leipold, III are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office can be reached for further information at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.

The case against Prewett is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of child exploitation and the importance of continued efforts to bring perpetrators to justice. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia will continue to work with law enforcement partners to protect children and hold accountable those who seek to harm them.

Prewett’s actions are a betrayal of trust and a violation of the most basic human rights. His guilty plea is a significant step towards justice, but it is only the beginning. The full extent of his crimes and the impact on his victims will be revealed in court. One thing is clear: Ian Alicea Prewett will face the consequences of his actions, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia will continue to fight for justice and protection of our children.