For Immediate Release
September 28, 2023
 
CRESTVIEW, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Christopher Roy Poppell, 45, of Crestview, on 30 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material, one count of promotion of sexual performance of a child, and one count of use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony. Due to the number of images and videos found, each count of possession is reclassified to a second-degree felony per 775.0847, Florida Statutes. The Okaloosa and Walton County Sheriff’s Offices and Homeland Security Investigations assisted.
 
The investigation began earlier this month when FDLE agents from the Pensacola Regional Operations Center identified an internet user offering to share files of known child sexual abuse material. Through investigative techniques, the internet user’s address was identified to Poppell’s residence.
 
On September 27 agents presented Poppell with a search warrant. During the search of his residence, a preliminary forensic analysis of Poppell’s computer was conducted and agents located multiple files containing the sexual abuse of children, some as young as 6 years old.
 
Poppell was arrested yesterday and booked into the Okaloosa County Jail. Additional charges are possible pending further forensic analysis. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, First Judicial Circuit.
 
Please visit the FDLE website to review tips for keeping your children safe online at https://secureflorida.org/Family-Safety/BPParents.htm.
 
For Further Information Contact:
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001