Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) deputies obtained an arrest warrant for a Palm Coast suspect wanted for multiple felony offenses. The suspect had been under investigation since late June 2024.
On June 21, 2024, a concerned citizen contacted FCSO after receiving concerning messages from a juvenile victim. During the investigation by FCSO’s Major Case Unit multiple juveniles, ranging in age from 14 to 16, were identified as victims of human trafficking, While speaking with the victims, detectives determined the suspect, David William Chenowith, had been having sex with them for drugs, money, clothes, and food.
On July 18, deputies obtained an arrest warrant for Chenowith, 32, for Human Trafficking, Lewd and Lascivious Battery, and Unlawful sexual activity with certain minors. A search warrant for Chenowith’s cell phone was also obtained.
Through investigative means, the FCSO Major Case Unit, Patrol, PACE, and K9 were able to quickly locate and arrest Chenowith. During the traffic stop, he was found to have several drugs with intent to distribute.
Deputies found four clear baggies containing marijuana, six small baggies of a white powder/rocklike substance, four multi-color baggies containing THC gummies, and four THC cartridges.
Three of the six small clear baggies containing the white powder/rocklike substance tested positive for Fentanyl, which weighed 9 grams – enough to kill 4,500 people. The other three baggies tested positive for Cocaine, which also weighed 9 grams.
David William Chenowith (Flagler County Jail mugshot)
“Thanks to the tip from the citizen, we were able to catch this pervert,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “He is now behind bars in the Green Roof Inn where he belongs before he could take the innocence away of more children. I pray the victims will receive the support and counseling they need from an attack like this. Let this be a reminder that if you hurt a child we will come after you.”
Chenowith was arrested for Lewd and Lascivious Battery – Victim 12-16 years of age, Human Trafficking – Minor, Unlawful Sexual Activity with a Minor. Additional charges include Fentanyl Trafficking of 4-14 grams, Controlled Substance Sale, and Hashish – Possession. He was taken to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and held on a $102,500 bond.
View bodycam of arrest: https://bit.ly/3WvsPYO
