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Molino Man Arrested On Multiple Child Porn Charges Brought By FDLE
March 26, 2022
A 76-year old Molino man has been arrested on multiple child porn charges brought by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
William David Pettus of 3101 Crabtree Church Road was charged with 25 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material.
The investigation began last August after agents identified child sexual abuse material being shared from a computer in Escambia County. Agents obtained and executed a search warrant at Pettus’ residence in February. Forensic examinations of his electronic devices uncovered evidence of videos featuring children being abused, according to FDLE.
Pettus was released from the Escambia County Jail Saturday afternoon on a $50,000 bond.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office made the arrest on an FDLE arrest warrant. ESCO and Homeland Security Investigations assisted with the case.
Comments
24 Responses to “Molino Man Arrested On Multiple Child Porn Charges Brought By FDLE”
As far as the bond lowering, bonds have been lower in the past for several reasons, surrenders passport, wears ankle monitor, health reasons, so the county tax payers are not paying a bunch of money out for his medical. Also how long he’s been in area his ties to the community, someone could have spoken up for him, evidence reviewed by a judge, not a direct threat to victim or victims, not saying any of these apply here just giving ex samples.
Long-time volunteer of the Boy Scouts of America organization??? Folks, have any of you defending this man ever read about the predatory environment that has gone on in this organization going back for decades? Wouldn’t surprise me if law enforcement learns that there are numerous victims of abuse at the hands of Mr. Pettus during his time in the organization. Sad, too, that years ago, Mr. Pettus may have also been a victim of sexual abuse as a young boy/man during his time with the Boy Scouts? Thus begins the cycle of becoming an abuser himself.
That huge bond reduction- perhaps there were bigger fish to fry in this nefarious operation and his lowered bond was in part an exchange for his alleged information on those bigger fish. The truth will come out eventually- one way, or the other.
I see folks speaking up for this guy, just like some did for the youth pastor who was planting cameras in the restroom, and then there was silence. Law enforcement/Homeland Security and 8 months of investigation, you can bet he was up to no good. These two agencies take there time spent seriously and use it well.
Oh you people …. You’ll learn that here is our beloved area, the criminals in these cases will only be sentenced if they don’t know anyone in leadership or don’t have any money. (Case in point, Pensacola business owner, lives in North Escambia area, owns a big business, knows lots of folks, has plenty of money, is now a registered Sex Offender but never spent a day in jail) Mr. Pettus being a model citizen (just like the person I am referencing/ active in his church, numerous mission trips) doesn’t make him exempt from this SICK behavior. Law Enforcement Officers/Agency’s, thank you for all of your hard work, I know that you must get so tired of doing this work only to see many perps walk because of the “points system” or the fact that they can plead out and never truly have to pay for their crimes.
The size of the bond does determine the amount hold they need for you to appear in court: and yo determine if you are a flight risk. But it’s very strange that this person’s bond went from 625,000 to 50,000 !!!! Tells me something ain’t right!!! Don’t take a rocket scientist to figure that one out !!! Actually a blind deaf mute monkey can figure this out !!!!!
Everyone lays blame before being proven guilty or innocent. Do people realize that anyone in your wifi or anyont that hacks your wifi can literally sit in a car in frint of your house and look this stuff up. And then guess what. The owner of the wifi is the one thats arrested. Before you pass judgement in someone you dont even know, have some sympathy for those that do
If they’ve been investigating this guy since august you can bet their evidence is rock solid.. hope he spends the rest of his days behind bars
The amount of a bond does not indicate or preview guilt or innocence.
Videos were found on his computer, so unless someone else has access to his computer he’s likely guilty.
Some of the most evil people are charming, super nice and well liked. John Wayne Gacy, Ted Bundy and yes even Charles Manson. Nothing shocks me anymore when it comes to others this day-and-age.
8 months worth of investigation. The law and homeland security have so many unbelievable forensic “tools” in their purview to use. Whether it turns out to be true, or not, I have much sympathy for his wife at this time. But, for anyone to think that participating in internet child porn, in these days of high tech investigations, is just ludicrous. You WILL get caught! But, you read about it all of the time. They allow the devil to take control of their mind and they just loose all sensibilities. For this alleged crime, I did think when I read it, that it was a low bond amount- so that makes me wonder too.
There are people all around us that keep their dirty secrets; that put up facades to protect their lies. They lie so well they blind you and draw you into wherever THEY are comfortable with you…if you’re dumb enough to believe them.
It IS sickening and thank the good Lord for these exceptionally great people from all of these wonderful Law Enforcement Agencies who CATCH them. I pray for all of them. Thank you!
Let’s see a635000 bond z as of now a 50000 bond hmmm a bil difference ya think !!! So that tell me something ain’t right!!! I got a feeling when all is said and done these trumpet up charges will not stand up in a court of law !!!!! Something is wrong!!!
No, not Bill. I’d have to see it myself to ever believe this of him. And I’ve known him for about 50 years. I’ll stand by Bill and am praying for him and Sue.
@someone Homeland security is involved in this one. They don’t make arrests like this all Willy Nilly. You are in denial and denial enables these creeps. I guess it’s just a coincidence that his hobbies include being around young boys (Boy Scouts). Disgusting!!!
Someone: “If you think for one moment Bill did this then your mistaken. ”
Look, evidence is evidence. They’ve been investigating since last August. Yes, it can be unexpected, especially if you think you really knew them. And I hear, “Never! No way, he would never” but truth is, there are a lot of sickos walking around, being friendly and kind and helpful, the “nicest” person in the world, but there are sides you don’t see that are not so nice. So, you can’t just say he’s innocent and someone’s causing trouble for him just because you don’t want it to be true. I’m sorry that someone you know isn’t exactly who you thought they were.
I guess you can be a sick pervert at any age.
Before people start calling him names, and such, you should wait until the investigation is through. I don’t know this man, but from what I’ve read, sounds like someone is setting him up, for some reason. For one, how many people get on his computer?
@someone is 50k is a low bond? Are you suggesting that FDLE in conjunction with Homeland Security made a concentrated joint effort to frame a random Molino man by placing materials containing child abuse on all of his electronic devices? Deep state strikes again! (that was sarcasm)
If you think for one moment Bill did this then your mistaken. This is someone trying to cause others trouble. Hes out and on a lower bond because the judge knows its a crock.
Mr Pettus is a life long member of Boy Scouts of America. First as a youth. He is an Eagle Scout. Then as an adult volunteer. He has long been active in local Scouting on the Troop, District, and Council levels.
I am sickened.
I’ve known Bill for many years and would not have though about it. It is really a shame. Prayers and much love to Sue and the rest of the family.
deplorable