A 31-year-old Chattooga County woman is facing a series of severe and disturbing charges following her arrest this week by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Lillian Angelique Hughes was taken into custody and charged with three counts of felony sexual exploitation of children and one count of bestiality, according to reports released this morning.

The nature of the allegations has sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting widespread questions and concerns among residents. Details surrounding the ongoing investigation remain limited, but the charges themselves indicate a highly sensitive and grave situation.

Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader released a statement Wednesday evening detailing the joint operation that led to Hughes’ arrest. Special Agents with the GBI, alongside the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, executed search and arrest warrants in the Lyerly area of the county on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

The investigation reportedly stemmed from an online cyber tip regarding the possession of child sexual abuse material. Search warrants obtained for online accounts uncovered child sexual abuse material that the suspect was allegedly possessing and sharing via the internet and social media sites. Additionally, content obtained from these online accounts revealed a video clip of the suspect involved in an act of bestiality.

Initial information suggested the suspect had been involved with foster care in the past. However, Sheriff Schrader clarified that at this point, evidence does not indicate that any of the seized files involve children from Hughes’ home or any foster children.

“I appreciate the GBI’s swift assistance and attention in investigating this case as well as my investigator’s prompt response to securing search warrants for the online accounts upon receiving the tip,” Sheriff Schrader stated. “We knew that there would potentially be many individuals to interview and collaboration between the agencies was imperative.”

Hughes is currently being held as the investigation remains active and ongoing. Further details are expected to be released as the case progresses.