Rome Counselor Charged With Sexual Extortion, Forgery; Investigation Ongoing

TWLN Staff Reporter | The Weekly Ledger News | Area News | March 10, 2026

ROME, Ga. — A Rome man known locally for his work advocating for children has been arrested and charged with numerous felony offenses, including sexual extortion and forgery, according to law enforcement officials.

Authorities say Scott Alan Sherwin, 64, of Rome, was taken into custody last week at his residence after warrants were issued in Bartow County.

Sherwin is facing 15 counts of sexual extortion, 15 counts of forgery, and charges related to false statements and writings, officials confirmed.

According to investigators, Sherwin worked as a counselor and behavior analyst at an office located on Douglas Street in Rome.

Connection to Child Advocacy Organization

Sherwin was also affiliated with Advocates for Children, an organization that provides services and support to children and families who have experienced abuse or neglect across 11 counties in Northwest Georgia, according to information listed on his LinkedIn profile.

Following the arrest, the organization released a statement acknowledging that it had been notified of a law enforcement investigation involving a former employee.

“Advocates for Children is aware of an active law enforcement investigation involving a former employee,” the statement read.

According to the organization, authorities notified them on February 26, 2026, that a member of the organization’s senior leadership team was under investigation for activities connected to work performed outside of his role with the organization, including external contracts with other agencies and matters that reportedly occurred prior to his employment with Advocates for Children.

Immediate Termination

Advocates for Children officials said additional concerns also surfaced regarding violations of the organization’s internal policies and ethical standards during Sherwin’s time with the group.

“Upon receiving this information, the employee was immediately terminated, and all access to organizational facilities, systems, and programs was removed,” the statement continued.

The organization said it is fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities as the investigation moves forward and emphasized its commitment to transparency.

Officials with Advocates for Children also stated that, based on current information, there is no indication that any child in the care or custody of the organization was harmed.

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities say the case remains under active investigation, and additional details may be released as the inquiry continues.

As with all criminal cases, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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