Cybertip leads to arrest of registered sex offender

GBI says man messaged child, sent explicit photos.

A registered sex offender was arrested Monday in northwest Atlanta after a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, authorities said.

Joshua Andrew Harris, 36, of the 2300 block of Baker Road, allegedly used an internet messaging app to communicate with a 13-year-old child, Georgia Bureau of Investigation spokesman Brian Johnston said. Harris also allegedly sent sexually explicit photos to the child, then met with the teen to engage in sexual activities, Johnston said.

Investigators also seized several electronic devices after searching Harris’ residence, Johnston said.

Harris was taken to the Fulton County jail. He has been charged with two counts of aggravated child molestation, criminal attempt to commit child molestation, and furnishing obscene materials to a minor, Johnston said.

The case illustrates that online communication is often more than just simple communication or “fantasy” talk, Johnston said.

The GBI and Atlanta police cooperated in the investigation.

Investigators are interested in any other communications Harris might have had with other potential child victims, Johnston said. Anyone with information about Harris can contact Crime Stoppers at 404577-8477 or the GBI tip line at 800-597-8477.

Joshua Andrew Harris faces several charges.