A 38-year-old Brookhaven man, identified by police as Christopher Duncan, has been arrested and charged with 66 counts of sexual exploitation of children for possessing pornographic material depicting minors. Investigators confirmed Duncan’s self-reported employment at the Georgia Aquarium, one of Atlanta’s most popular family attractions.
Brookhaven Police Lt. Corey Van Alen stated that 66 arrest warrants were obtained for Duncan after a “deep dive” into electronics at his Brookhaven home. “Our investigators at this time have obtained 66 warrants for his arrest,” Van Alen told Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne. He added that current evidence suggests Duncan was downloading, not producing, the illicit images. “So at this time, with the evidence we have, and again, we’re still reviewing, but there’s no indication that he was producing any of these child pornography images. He was just downloading it from the internet,” Van Alen explained.
The investigation began in May after the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit forwarded a tip to Brookhaven police. “Our investigators received a tip from the ICAC unit, which is the Internet Crimes Against Children, associated with the GBI. They provided us information that an individual at an address here in Brookhaven had been downloading child pornography images,” Van Alen said. Armed with a search warrant, officers uncovered significant digital evidence leading to the charges.
The connection to the Georgia Aquarium has raised immediate questions, particularly given its appeal to families and children. At this point, police have not determined if Duncan would have come into contact with children during his work at the aquarium. Following an email inquiry from reporter Mark Winne, the Georgia Aquarium issued a statement saying, “This individual was placed on immediate administrative leave pending further action.”
Winne attempted to get Duncan’s side of the story by visiting his listed address. While a woman appeared to approach the front door, she did not open it. Later, another woman came out a side door and asked the reporter and his photographer to leave the property, with which they complied.
Records indicate Duncan’s bond has been set at $33,200.
Authorities are urging anyone with pertinent information regarding this incident or who believes they may be a victim to come forward. “We are asking that if anybody out there has any information regarding this incident or feels they may be a victim, to contact either the Brookhaven Police Department or their local police agency,” Lt. Van Alen requested.
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