This indictment stems from an extensive investigation from March to November 2017. Mr. Avetta was using a fake profile by the name Jessica Gable for the sole purpose to meet his victims: children under the age of 17. Mr. Avetta would engage in conversation with the victims and solicit them for nude photographs. Investigators discovered several victims in Franklin, Gasconade, Maries, Jefferson, St. François, Iron and Washington Counties who had contact with the suspect through this fake account/profile.
If any parent(s) believe their child have been in contact with this profile, please contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and file a report. This case is being investigated by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Franklin County Sheriff would like to thank the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Cuba Police Department and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for their assistance on the case.
** All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law****
Steve Pelton
Franklin County Sheriff