WARE COUNTY, Ga. — Five people were arrested this week after a multi-agency inquiry into alleged child sexual abuse that investigators say has identified eight victims ranging in age from 3 to 13 across several Southeast Georgia counties.
Investigation and arrests
The probe, led by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in coordination with the Ware County Sheriff’s Office, was announced Tuesday. Authorities say the investigation covers incidents in Ware, Charlton, Clinch and Bacon counties and began after a June arrest in Ware County.
The GBI and local sheriffs say the inquiry began in early June when the Ware County Sheriff’s Office arrested Joel Christopher Heath. That wider review prompted additional arrests as investigators identified more victims and possible offenses.
| Suspect | Age | Residence | Primary charges (as listed by authorities) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joel Christopher Heath | 42 | Blackshear | Aggravated child molestation; aggravated sodomy; child exploitation; child molestation |
| Theresa Bryant | 55 | Alma | Sex trafficking; aggravated sexual battery; aggravated child molestation; aggravated sodomy; first-degree cruelty to a child |
| Betty Sue Corbitt | 60 | Waycross | Child exploitation |
| Elizabeth Delk | 48 | Homerville | Aggravated child molestation; aggravated sodomy; child exploitation; child molestation |
| Amber Lynn Hult | 45 | West Columbia, S.C. | Sex trafficking; aggravated sexual battery; aggravated child molestation; aggravated sodomy; first-degree cruelty to a child; incest |
Where the suspects are being held
- Heath, Delk and Corbitt were booked into the Ware County Jail.
- Bryant was booked into the Bacon County Jail.
- Hult was booked into the Lexington County Detention Center in South Carolina and is awaiting extradition to Georgia.
Investigators said the inquiry remains active and that additional victims could be identified as the probe continues. Authorities did not release further details about the victims or the timeline of the alleged offenses, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation and the ages of the children involved.
Community impact and next steps
Cases that span multiple counties often involve coordination among local law enforcement, the GBI and child protection services to ensure both investigative thoroughness and victim safety. Prosecutors typically review investigative findings before formal indictments are filed.
Anyone with information related to the investigation was urged to contact the Ware County Sheriff’s Office, the GBI or the sheriff’s office in the county where they live. Local agencies often ask members of the public to come forward if they may be aware of additional victims, relevant evidence or suspicious activity that could assist investigators.
The arrests and the ongoing investigation are likely to reverberate across the small communities affected, where resources for victim support and counseling may be limited. Residents concerned about child safety can reach out to county law enforcement, the Georgia Department of Human Services or local victim advocacy organizations for guidance and services.
As the case proceeds, court filings and formal charging documents will provide more specifics about the allegations and potential trial dates. News Block will continue to follow developments and report new information as it becomes available from authorities.
