High-ranking Air Force officerfaces child exploitation charge after Marietta sex sting

A man arrested earlier this week during an FBI sex sting for allegedly trying to meet a 14-year-old girl at a Cobb County hotel is confirmed to be a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force and a member of the Georgia Air National Guard, authorities said.

Lt. Col. Willie Newson, 47, was placed on leave pending the outcome of a child exploitation investigation, Georgia Department of Defense spokeswoman Desiree Bamba exclusively told AJC.com Thursday. She said he’s on the command staff of Maj. Gen. Jesse T. Simmons Jr., who is the commander of the Georgia Air National Guard.