Haralson County Man Brandon Lee Smith Arrested After Lost Phone Leads to Child Exploitation Charges

Feb 12, 2026 - 13:51
Feb 12, 2026 - 13:54
 0  3
Haralson County Man Brandon Lee Smith Arrested After Lost Phone Leads to Child Exploitation Charges
Brandon Lee Smith

HARALSON COUNTY, Ga. — Brandon Lee Smith was arrested Feb. 6 after reporting that his lost cellphone contained child pornography, authorities said.

Smith, who officers say told witnesses at a Haralson County emergency room that he was worried about the device because of its contents, gave deputies permission to recover and search the phone. Investigators with the department’s Crimes Against Children Unit identified at least 10 images they say qualify as child sexual abuse material on the device.

Smith was charged with felony sexual exploitation of children, and authorities said additional charges could be possible as the investigation continues.

Officials have not disclosed why Smith was at the hospital when he reported the phone missing or who alerted law enforcement.

What's Your Reaction?

Like Like 0
Dislike Dislike 0
Love Love 0
Funny Funny 0
Angry Angry 0
Sad Sad 0
Wow Wow 0
Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.