Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Crimes Against Children Unit

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Gavin Noah Brannon (Suspect – Arrested)
DOB: 10/14/1998
Address: 2641 Grand Lakeside Drive, Palm Harbor
Charge: Lewd and Lascivious Battery and Lewd and Lascivious Molestation

The female victim is a minor. Per Florida Statute 119.071(2)(h)1 no further details will be released that would tend to identify the victim.

What:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to arrest a Palm Harbor man for Lewd and Lascivious Battery and Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a child.

When:
The crime occurred numerous times between July 2019 and May 2020. Detectives began the investigation in May 2020 and the suspect was arrested on Friday, December 11, 2020.

Where:
The crime occurred at 2641 Grand Lakeside Drive in Palm Harbor.

Why/How:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to arrest a Palm Harbor man for Lewd and Lascivious Battery and Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a child.

According to detectives, the investigation began when an internet tip was received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Through various investigative techniques, detectives learned 22-year-old Gavin Brannon was in possession of images of child pornography.

During the investigation, detectives learned Brannon was the suspect in a child pornography investigation in Loudoun County Virginia and the Federal Bureau of Investigation served a search warrant at his residence for child pornography.  Pinellas detectives and agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation learned Brannon molested the victim several times while he lived in Palm Harbor which he admitted to during an interview. Brannon also admitted to photographing the victim and distributing the images.

Brannon was arrested and transported to the Pinellas County Jail on federal charges of possessing and distributing child pornography. Pinellas County detectives charged Brannon with Lewd and Lascivious Battery and Lewd and Lascivious Molestation.

If you have any information concerning this suspect or believe you may have been a victim, you are asked to contact Detective Schofield and (727) 582-6200 or by email at cschofield@pcsonet.com.