GRADY COUTNY, Ga. (WALB) - The Grady County Sheriff’s Office, working alongside the U.S. Marshals Service, has arrested Edgar Sales Lopez in connection with a child molestation investigation under Operation Shield the Innocent.

Investigators say Lopez is charged with Child Molestation following a thorough investigation that established probable cause. According to authorities, the reported victim was 7 years old at the time of the incident.

U.S. Marshals located Lopez at an apartment complex, where officials say he fled on foot, ignored repeated lawful commands, and physically resisted arrest, leading to a brief struggle. He was ultimately taken into custody. As a result of his actions, Lopez now faces additional charges, including Obstruction of Law Enforcement.

The U.S. Marshals Service out of Tallahassee played a key role in locating the suspect, and ICE has placed an immigration detainer on Lopez.

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Grady County Sheriff Prince issued a strong statement following the arrest, saying in part:

“If you harm a child in Grady County, we will aggressively hunt you down and hold you accountable. We will use every badge, every partner agency, and every legal tool available to protect our children and bring predators to justice.”

Officials say the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Grady County Sheriff’s Office at 229‑377‑5200. Tips can be provided anonymously.

Authorities stress that crimes against children will not be tolerated in Grady County.

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