Cops in Florida arrested Taylor Knoop after he allegedly staged photos of young kids holding a gun, a beer bottle and marijuana (Volusia County Sheriff”s Office).
In Florida, a man believed it would be humorous to capture images of young children with firearms, alcohol, and illicit substances. However, law enforcement in the state found nothing amusing about the situation.
Records indicate that 27-year-old Taylor Knoop is facing charges for two counts of felony child neglect, though no significant physical harm was reported.
The case unfolded when a vigilant citizen contacted the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office after receiving images of a toddler, estimated to be around one year old, clutching a bag suspected to contain approximately a pound of marijuana. This information comes from a probable cause arrest affidavit reviewed by Law&Crime.
In another disturbing photo, a young girl was pictured with a Michelob Ultra beer bottle resting on her stomach. Further, she was seen seemingly holding a Glock-style pistol, according to the affidavit.
Authorities also discovered a screenshot of an alleged text conversation between Knoop and a woman who voiced her concerns regarding the images.
Knoop’s purported response was dismissive: “OK, you act like I care it wasn’t my kid.”
Investigators from the sheriff’s office and the Department of Children and Families visited Knoop’s home in DeLeon Springs to interview him. The kids’ rooms appeared to be “under renovation” with the support beams and wires visible, per the complaint. One of the victims, along with two other kids, was living in the home and appeared to be in good health.
Asked about the photos, Knoop confirmed he was aware of them but denied that the marijuana and gun were his. Knoop said the photo with the child and beer bottle was a “joke,” cops wrote. The defendant claimed he was in a different room when the pictures of the baby holding the Glock were taken. He said the photos involving one of the kids were from three years ago.
Deputies took Knoop into custody and took him to the Volusia County Jail, where he has since posted a $10,000 bond. He pleaded not guilty and is next slated to appear in court on Nov. 20.
DCF handed custody of the children to family members.
