GBI arrests Sylvania man in child abuse investigation

The GBI has arrested and charged 26-year-old James Ryan Burkes of Sylvania, Georgia with child abuse, sexual battery of a child under 16, and assault. On February 12, 2024, the GBI was asked by the Screven County Sheriff’s Office to investigate allegations of child abuse made against Burkes.

The investigation shows that Burkes had inappropriate sexual contact with a minor in Screven County.

He was taken to the Screven County Jail.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Screven County Sheriff’s Office at 912-564-2013 or the GBI Regional Investigation Office in Stateboro at 912-871-1121. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by phone at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online or by downloading the “See Something, Send Something” mobile app.

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be turned over to the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit Attorney’s Office for prosecution.