For Immediate Release

December 2, 2025

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Karl Davis Staton, 45, of Lawtey, on three counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device. This 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 in September after FDLE agents received multiple cyber tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) of an individual uploading and sharing digital files depicting the sexual abuse of children into an online storage account. 

The investigation identified Staton as the owner of the account. A search warrant was conducted on the online storage account where further investigation revealed video files depicting the sexual abuse of children. Some children depicted in the files were as young as six years old. 

On Nov. 24, agents arrested Staton at his place of employment without incident. He was transported to the Duval County Jail and later extradited to the Bradford County Jail. Additional charges may be forthcoming pending further investigation.

Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution in Jacksonville is prosecuting the case.

The investigation remains active. 

For Further Information Contact

FDLE Office of Public Information