News


FDLE arrests Leesburg man for possession of child sexual abuse material

 
For Immediate Release
December 18, 2024
 
LEESBURG, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Warner Smith, 34, of Leesburg, on three felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse (CSAM). The arrest is the result of FDLE’s statewide initiative to locate and arrest criminals sharing files depicting the sexual abuse of children.
 
The investigation began in October when agents received a cybertip of someone, later identified as Smith, transmitting and downloading digital files that depicted the sexual exploitation of a child.
 
On December 12 agents served a search warrant at Smith’s residence and seized his cellphone. During a preliminary forensic analysis, agents found additional child exploitation files depicting the sexual abuse of pre-pubescent children, some as young as 6 years old.
 
Smith was arrested and booked into the Lake County Jail. The case will be prosecuted by Attorney General Ashley Moody's Office of Statewide Prosecution.
 
The case is being investigated by FDLE Orlando 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
 

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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.