Deputy sheriff arrested during child abuse investigation

ATLANTA – A former Cherokee County sheriff’s deputy was behind bars Tuesday in connection with a federal child abuse investigation, the sheriff’s office announced.

Steven Bunte, 40, worked at the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department’s Adult Detention Center for about five years before being fired by authorities following his arrest, a news release said.

Federal authorities arrested Bunte. However, Cherokee officials were also present at the arrest.

According to records from the Gordon County Jail, where the former deputy sheriff is being held, authorities have charged him with five counts of child pornography and child exploitation.

A statement from the sheriff’s office said no further information could be released because Bunte was arrested as part of a federal investigation.

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