A former Special Forces veteran and Freeport resident, Brendan Souder, 42, has been charged with grooming and sexually abusing a minor over a span of two years. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office received the initial report regarding Souder on Wednesday, August 28.
According to investigators, Souder met the juvenile victim through competitive shooting events. Within a year, he allegedly began a predatory sexual relationship with the victim, which continued for two years.
Read: Florida Couple’s ‘Neighborhood Park’ Drug Den Bust Lands Them In Deeper Trouble
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) was assigned to the case. On Thursday, CIB and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team executed a search warrant at Souder’s property in Gaskin, located off County Highway 181 East.
The property, set up as a shooting range for Souder’s business, was thoroughly searched, and evidence collected during the search provided probable cause for his arrest.
Due to the severity of the charges and Souder’s background in Special Forces and firearms training, the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force assisted in his apprehension.
Read: Florida Man’s Attempt To ‘Spice Up’ Neighborhood Watch Lands Him In Monroe County Jail
On Saturday, August 31, Souder was arrested at Pensacola International Airport after deplaning and was transported to the Escambia County Jail. He was extradited to Walton County to face multiple felony charges, including lewd and lascivious battery of a child aged 12-16, lewd and lascivious molestation of a child aged 12-16, possession of child pornography, child abuse, and engaging in sexual activity with a minor aged 16-17 while being over 24 years old.
“There is absolutely no excuse for an adult to prey on a child,” said Captain Dustin Cosson of the Criminal Investigations Bureau. “Acting quickly in this case helped secure crucial evidence leading to Souder’s arrest and protecting the victim. Our hope is that we can be the voice for justice to hold him accountable for his accounts.”
Read: International Duo Indicted In Tampa For Running Massive Dark Web Cybercrime Network
Souder was released on bond Friday from the Walton County Jail and has been court-ordered to wear a GPS Monitor. He has also surrendered his passport.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.