FDLE’s Orlando Cybercrime Task Force today arrested Vernon Charles Wheat, 23, of 2019 William Clark Ave., Sanford, on four counts of child pornography after authorities with the Queensland Police Service in Canberra, Australia, contacted U.S. authorities about Wheat sending illicit images to children.
The investigation began with a cybertip that originated in Australia. The Department of Homeland Security Investigations turned over the case to FDLE special agents who are part of the Orlando Cybercrime Task Force. The initial investigation showed Wheat was believed to have exchanged nude images with children in Australia.
Agents secured a search warrant for an electronic device registered to Wheat and did a forensic examination. Evidence of files indicative of child pornography were found on the device, which was seized for further examination.
Wheat was taken to the Orange County Jail on a no-bond status. The State Attorney’s Office, 9th Judicial Circuit, will prosecute.
