The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has officially identified the body found in a Dade County pond last week as 46-year-old John Richard Sweatt, a man who had been actively sought by authorities for serious felony charges, including aggravated sexual battery and child molestation.

Sweatt was identified through a combination of his distinct tattoos, a driver’s license found in his pocket, and confirmation from his family members.

According to the Dade County Sheriff’s Office, Sweatt had been a target of an active pursuit for the past two weeks after failing to appear on a litany of charges. These included aggravated sexual battery, aggravated child molestation, three counts of child molestation, and two counts of cruelty to children. He also had an active warrant for cruelty to animals.

The discovery was made on Thursday, July 3, around 2:40 PM, when the Dade County Sheriff’s Office received a call concerning what was initially believed to be a “mannequin” floating in a pond in the 2800 block of New Home Road. Upon arrival, deputies confirmed it was a deceased male and promptly called in their Criminal Investigations Unit, Drones Unit, and the GBI to assist with what quickly escalated into a criminal investigation.

The cause of Sweatt’s death remains under investigation. Authorities have noted that there were no signs of external injury found on the body at the scene.

“The body will be taken to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office where an autopsy will be performed,” stated the GBI in a press release.

Once the GBI’s investigation is complete, the case file will be turned over to the Lookout Mountain District Attorney’s Office for review.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the GBI at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477) or submit an online tip.