UPDATE: VSO Investigation: DeLand Child Porn Suspect May Have Molested Children

Date Added: October 24, 2023 2:15 pm

Laura Williams, Office of
Public Affairs & Media Relations

                                                             ** UPDATE: **

VSO Investigation: Child Porn Suspect May Have Molested Children

Volusia Sheriff’s detectives have reason to believe a DeLand man who was recently arrested for possessing child pornography may have molested children.  

Anthony Lee Rowell, 19, of 2001 Marsh Road remains in custody at the Volusia County Branch Jail. He was arrested last week after detectives, acting on a tip, found sexually explicit videos and photos of children on his cell phone.

If you, or anyone you know, have children who have been in contact with Rowell within the last five years, please contact the Sheriff’s Office’s Child Exploitation Unit immediately at (386) 323-3574.

Thank you.

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Original news release published 10/19/23 appears below:

VSO Detectives Charge DeLand Teen With 30 Counts of Possessing Child Pornography

A 19-year-old DeLand man was arrested on 30 charges of possessing child pornography after a tip led to the discovery of multiple sexually explicit videos and photos of children on his cell phone.

Anthony Lee Rowell, (DOB 02/06/2004) was arrested Monday night and transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail. He remains held on 30 counts of possessing sexual performance by a child.

His arrest followed a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which alerts local law enforcement to reports of exploitation and child pornographic material that have been shared online.

The tip led to Volusia sheriff’s detectives in the Child Exploitation Unit executing a search warrant at Rowell’s home, 2001 Marsh Road, DeLand.

Detectives seized cell phones, computers, laptops, hard drives, video recorders and tablets for forensic examination. They also located multiple videos or photos of sexual exploitation of girls and boys estimated to range from infant to 11 years old.

The investigation indicates Rowell uploaded files containing suspected child pornography and sent the files to other users.

Due to the nature of the materials found, the Sheriff’s Office is notifying the public of this case. Anyone who may have more information about other potential victims, please contact the VSO Child Exploitation Unit at (386) 323-3574.

This investigation is ongoing and active. More information will be provided when it becomes available.