On August 7, 2024, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) Major Case Unit obtained two additional arrest warrants on David Chenoweth, 32, of Palm Coast, based on a review of evidence recovered from his cell phone by FCSO’s Digital Forensics Unit. The warrants were served at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility where he was being held from the prior arrest. His bond is now $1,034,000.00.
The first arrest warrant was for the following:
- 2 counts of Promoting sexual performance by a child 2nd degree felonies
- 2 counts of unlawful two-way communication device 3rd-degree felonies
The second arrest warrant was for the following:
- 13 counts of unlawful two-way communication device 3rd-degree felonies
- 3 counts of transmission of child pornography 3rd-degree felonies
- 4 counts of Lewd and Lascivious Battery victim 12-16 years 2nd-degree felonies
- 10 counts of Promoting sexual performance by a child 2nd degree felonies
Chenoweth has been under investigation since June 2024. FCSO deputies had obtained an arrest warrant on him last month for multiple felony offenses for Human Trafficking, Lewd and Lascivious Battery, and Unlawful sexual activity with certain minors. At that time a search warrant for Chenowith’s cell phone was also obtained.
“I commend our Major Case Unit and Digital Forensics Unit for their excellent work on this continuing investigation,” said Sheriff Staly. “Thankfully, this pervert is behind bars and hopefully will remain behind bars for a very long time so he can’t destroy more innocent young lives. I continue to pray that his victims can receive the support they need to heal from these horrible attacks.”
Original news release below:
Date: July 20, 2024
Prepared by: Public Affairs Office
Phone and Email: 386-586-2637, PAO@flaglersheriff.com
Release #: 2024 – 125
Palm Coast Man Arrested for Human Trafficking and Multiple Offenses to Minors, Fentanyl Trafficking
BUNNELL, Fla. — 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 locate and arrest Chenowith quickly. 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/4dxfxAD
