Citrus County Sheriff’s Office detectives in the agency’s High Tech Crimes Unit on Aug. 26 arrested 34-year-old Daniel Grisales of Dunnellon on charges of capital sexual battery against a juvenile victim under the age of 12.
As members of the Central Florida Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force, detectives receive tips for the exploitation of children that may be occurring within the community.
This investigation began after a popular internet company reported that child pornography was sent to multiple people through their mobile app.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children was unable to identify the juvenile featured in the video, the CCSO said in a statement, and believed the video to be newly produced content.
After being assigned this case, Detective Chris Cornell was able to link the online accounts to Daniel Grisales. Members of the High-tech Crimes Unit executed a search warrant on Aug. 26 for Grisales’ residence. They were able to match objects from inside the home to those seen in the circulated illicit video.
Grisales was interviewed by detectives and subsequently confessed, the CCSO said. He was placed under arrest and will remain in custody on a no-bond status.
“I am extremely proud of the men and women of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and their continued dedication to the safety of our citizens. I want to specifically thank Detective Chris Cornell, who relentlessly sought the identity of Grisales to ensure the safety of this victim,” said Sheriff Mike Prendergast.
“The job of our High-tech Crimes Unit is a daunting and difficult task, and we are thankful for their superlative performance. This case echoes the efforts made every day by the men and women of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office.”
At this time, additional charges are anticipated based upon the evidence located during the search warrant. The most important fact of this case is the juvenile victim is now safe and Grisales will never prey upon another victim again.