A Cape Coral father reported that an online predator was pursuing his 13-year-old daughter who lives in Cape Coral.

Detective Malone became involved in the investigation and scheduled a Child Protection Team Interview. The girl’s father gave us his daughter’s phone for a forensic download. There was evidence on the phone showing Steven Knoop was sending photos of himself, naked, to the juvenile while knowing she was, in fact, a juvenile. 

After learning Steven Knoop’s whereabouts, Detective Malone contacted a detective with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit at the Sidney Police Department in Ohio. Detective Malone sent a packet with all the evidence he had established in the case. The evidence was instrumental in Sidney, Ohio’s Police Department obtaining a search warrant and ultimately arresting Steven Knoop for his crime against the 13-year-old Cape Coral girl.

“Recovered during the search were computers, smartphone devices, and marijuana. The computer and smartphone devices will be processed and analyzed for data relating to the Enticement Investigation.  Steven Knoop was present at the residence when the warrant was executed and was arrested and transported to the Shelby County Jail.   He has been charged with one count of Disseminating Material Harmful to a Juvenile, a felony of the 5th degree, and one count of Drug Abuse, a misdemeanor of the 1st degree.   As the investigation continues, other charges are very likely to be filed at a later date.” -Capt. J A Tangeman, Sidney Police Department.

Great Job, Detective Malone!!!