For Immediate Release
April 7, 2025
 
LOS ANGELES – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) announces the arrest of Theodore Burbank Pappas, Jr., 47, of Fernandina, on 13 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material, and one count each of transmission of child sexual abuse material and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, all felonies.  The arrest is the result of FDLE’s statewide initiative to locate and arrest criminals targeting children and sharing files depicting the sexual abuse of children.
 
FDLE’s investigation began on July 24, 2023, when agents received a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Endangered Children (NCMEC) about an online account uploading files depicting children being sexually abused. The investigation revealed the uploads originated from Pappa’s account that is registered in Nassau County, and that Pappas was employed by Norwegian Cruise Line.
 
FDLE obtained an arrest warrant and Pappas was arrested by the Los Angeles Port Police on April 4. Pappas is being held at the Los Angeles Police Department Detention Facility with no bond and he is awaiting extradition back to Florida. This case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, Fourth Judicial Circuit.
 
FDLE Jacksonville is investigating the case which remains active.
 
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