California investigation leads to 49 child porn charges for Florida man – CBS News

Updated on: January 23, 2026 / 5:45 PM PST / CBS Sacramento Add CBS News on Google A Florida man faces dozens of child pornography charges following an investigation that began with a referral from law enforcement officials in California, authorities said on Friday. Florida authorities said they were contacted on January 13 by investigators in Yuba City in Northern California regarding a child pornography case after a suspect was identified as living within Winter Haven city limits. Yuba City police said the investigation originated when the mother of a 7-year-old girl brought her child’s cellphone to the Yuba City Police Department after discovering a man on it along with another minor. Detectives identified a suspect who was later determined to be Alex Joel Melendez, 24, of Winter Haven. Mugshot of 24-year-old Alex Joel Melendez of Winter Haven, Florida Winter Haven Police Department Winter Haven detectives obtained a search warrant for Melendez’s home, which was executed on the evening of January 15 with assistance from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. During the search, investigators said they found extensive evidence, including photos, videos and explicit messages exchanged between Melendez and multiple minor victims through a Snapchat account. Police said Melendez was
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