A Florida was sentenced to five years in prison, followed by eight years of sex offender probation. A jury found Tyler Habdas guilty in July on five counts of Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device, three counts of Video Voyeurism involving a Victim Under 12, and Child Abuse.
The case began on January 30, 2023, when the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) launched an investigation into Habdas’ activities.
Detectives from the Major Case Unit obtained a search warrant for Habdas’ phone, and FCSO’s Digital Forensics Unit uncovered disturbing images and secret recordings of the underage victim dating back several months.
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Habdas was arrested on May 8, 2023, and released on bond pending trial. His trial occurred the week of July 16, 2024, and the jury convicted him on all charges.
He was immediately taken into custody and held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility until his sentencing. Habdas will now be transferred to the Florida Department of Corrections to serve his sentence.
“Our Digital Forensics Unit played a crucial role in the investigation,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “We know that today’s criminal leaves a digital footprint, and we just have to find it. That is why we started the Digital Forensics Unit and ensure that we have the most up-to-date technology and capabilities to investigate criminals of today’s era.”
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“I’m thankful the victim spoke to an adult they trusted that lead to a conviction,” added Sheriff Staly. “I also commend the commitment of the detectives and deputies who worked this case to the very end to make sure justice was served. This pervert is now going to where he belongs… prison for taking the innocence away from a young child.”
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