Peter Bilardello, Child Pornography, Georgia 2022

Grimy Times has learned that Peter Bilardello, a former Cobb County sheriff’s deputy, has been arraigned on federal charges of distribution and possession of child pornography.

According to the indictment, Bilardello allegedly shared child pornography through social media while he was employed as a law enforcement officer.

“Every time pornographic images are distributed online, that child is continuously re-victimized,” said Philip Wislar, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will not tolerate predators who prey on our children, especially ones like Bilardello, who are sworn law enforcement officers that took an oath to protect the citizens of our community.”

The investigation began in November 2019, when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a report that a MeWe social media user had allegedly uploaded and shared approximately 12 images depicting children under 12 years old in sexually explicit conduct.

On August 10, 2021, Cobb County Police determined that the MeWe account user was Peter Bilardello, who at the time was a Cobb County Deputy Sheriff. He had been employed by Cobb County for more than 15 years.

Bilardello was immediately arrested and resigned from the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office after investigators recovered more than 100 images and videos depicting young children in sexually explicit conduct.

Peter Bilardello, 51, of Marietta, Georgia, was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Justin S. Anand. Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges, and the defendant is presumed innocent of the charges until proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cobb County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Annalise K. Peters is prosecuting the case.

The indictment charges Bilardello with distribution and possession of child pornography. He is currently out on bail and awaits trial.

This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.

Contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016 for further information.

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