- September 7, 2024
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A Palm Coast man has been arrested on a human trafficking charge after over a month of investigation by the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.
David William Chenowith, 32, has been charged with human trafficking, lewd and lascivious battery on a minor aged 12-16, unlawful sexual activity with a minor and several drug possession and trafficking charges, according to a FCSO press release. A concerned citizen first reached out to the FCSO in June after receiving concerning messages from an underaged victim.
After almost a month investigating Chenowith, the FCSO determined Chenowith was having sex with several minors, ranging in age from 14 to 16, in exchange for drugs, money, clothes and food, the press release said.
Chenowith was arrested during a traffic stop and, while searching his car, FCSO deputies found four clear baggies containing marijuana, six small baggies of a white powder/rocklike substance that tested positive for fentanyl and cocaine, four multi-color baggies containing THC gummies and four THC cartridges.
Chenowith was taken to the county jail and is being held on $102,500 bond.
“Thanks to the tip from the citizen, we were able to catch this pervert,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “He is now behind bars in the Green Roof Inn where he belongs before he could take the innocence away of more children. I pray the victims will receive the support and counseling they need from an attack like this. Let this be a reminder that if your hurt a child we will come after you.”
