Talben Francis, Registered Sex Offender, Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography

Okaloosa County, FL (BuzzReport) – Members of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit (ICAC) executed a search warrant today at 2908 Bentwood Lane, Fort Walton Beach. 24-year old Talben Francis, a registered sex offender, was arrested for possession of child pornography, failure to register internet identifiers as a sex offender, and violation of felony probation. Homeland Security Investigations, the FDLE, and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Florida ICAC Unit participated in this investigation.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office announced today that they have arrested Talben Francis, a 24-year-old registered sex offender, on charges of possession of child pornography, failure to register internet identifiers as a sex offender, and violation of felony probation. The arrest comes after members of the ICAC Unit executed a search warrant at Francis’ residence located at 2908 Bentwood Lane in Fort Walton Beach.

In collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Florida ICAC Unit, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into Francis’ online activities. The investigation revealed that Francis had failed to register his internet identifiers as required by law, which is a violation of his probation.

Upon executing the search warrant, law enforcement officers discovered evidence of child pornography on Francis’ electronic devices. As a result, he was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography.

Francis is now being held in the Okaloosa County Jail without bond. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information regarding this case or any other crimes involving child exploitation to contact their office immediately.