COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A man is facing child grooming and sexual exploitation charges after police say he targeted a teen for months.
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Investigators say Travis Richard Puckett spent months grooming a teenager before he was caught.
According to police, Travis Puckett attempted multiple times to have sex with the victim in exchange for money over five months.
The case highlights concerns surrounding the exploitation of minors, as children spend more time on social media and other online platforms.
“Our DA and our law enforcement and our nonprofits here do work together to try and combat this issue,” said Susan Norris, founder of Rescuing Hope, an organization that works to combat sex trafficking.
Norris said social media and other online platforms are commonly used by predators to identify and learn about potential victims.
“They spend time studying their social media platforms so they can talk about the things that they already know are important to your child,” Norris said.
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She said some predators also use fake profile pictures, often posing as someone close to the age of the child they are targeting.
“Many people will use photos of boys and girls about the age of the individual that they are trying to groom and recruit,” Norris said.
It is unclear how Puckett met the victim in this case, but according to the warrant, investigators said he was texting the victim.
Norris said parents can help protect their children by having open conversations about online safety and being aware of what information children share publicly.
“We tell parents, talk with your children about being good cyber citizens. Make sure that you do not overshare,” Norris said.
Rescuing Hope also provides education and training aimed at helping communities recognize and prevent exploitation. Norris said the organization recently released digital training for law enforcement.
“We know that what we’re teaching is critical,” she said.
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