News


FDLE arrests Pensacola man for soliciting a minor

 
For Immediate Release
January 20, 2022
 
PENSACOLA, Fla. – FDLE agents arrested Scott Alexander Chappelear, 40, of Pensacola, for use of a computer to solicit a minor, transmission of harmful material to a minor, possession of obscene material depicting child sexual abuse and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony.  Escambia and Okaloosa county sheriff’s offices assisted FDLE with the arrest. 
 
FDLE began its investigation in August 2021.  An undercover agent, posing as a 14-year-old female, began communicating with Chappelear, who tried to coax the “child” into performing sexual acts and sent adult pornography.  Chappelear also agreed to meet the “child” even though he believed he was communicating with a 14-year-old.   
 
During a January 19 search warrant, agents found dozens of child sexual abuse material photos with some children as young as one to three years of age.  Chappelear was arrested and booked into the Escambia County Jail.  This case will be prosecuted by Office of State Attorney, 1st Judicial Circuit.   
 
 Please visit the FDLE website to review tips for keeping your children safe online at: https://www.secureflorida.org/SF/Family-Safety/BPParents.
 
For Further Information Contact: 
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001
 

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Priorities

FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.