For Immediate Release

April 30, 2026

PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Michael Vanover, 38, of Pensacola, for possession of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. The arrest is part of FDLE’s statewide initiative to identify and apprehend offenders who target children and share files depicting child sexual abuse.

In January 2026, agents received cybertips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), reporting that an unknown user uploaded 47 files containing images depicting the sexual abuse of children. Agents traced the associated IP address to Vanover’s residence.

Further investigation determined that the files were being uploaded to an AI application to generate further CSAM.

On April 28, agents conducted a residential search warrant at Vanover’s address and seized multiple electronic devices for forensic review. Initial review at the scene found several files of CSAM.

Vanover was arrested on eight counts of possession of child sexual abuse materials and one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device. He was booked in the Escambia County Jail on no bond.

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Office of Agriculture Law Enforcement, Federal Bureau of Investigations, and Homeland Security Investigations assisted with the search warrant.

The Office of the State Attorney, 1^st Judicial Circuit, is prosecuting the case.

The investigation remains active.

For Further Information Contact:

FDLE Office of Public Information