News


FDLE arrests Fort Walton Beach man for possession of child sexual abuse material

 
For Immediate Release
November 6, 2024
 
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Michael Cameron Esarey, 46, of Fort Walton Beach, on 30 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), one count of transmission of child sexual abuse material and one count of using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
 
The investigation began in October after agents discovered a filesharing network user downloading and transmitting files containing the sexual abuse of children. The investigation identified Esarey as the user.
 
On Nov. 4 agents served a search warrant at Esarey’s residence where his desktop computer and several hard drives were located. A preliminary forensic preview located thousands of child sexual exploitation files, some involving children as young as 7 years old.
 
Esarey was arrested and booked into the Okaloosa County Jail. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, First Judicial Circuit.
 
The case is being investigated by the FDLE Pensacola cybercrime unit.
 
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
Info@fdle.state.fl.us

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.