Man Allegedly Poses Children with Firearm, Alcohol, and Marijuana for Photos: Police Report

In a troubling incident from Florida, a man is facing serious charges after allegedly taking photos of young children in compromising situations involving firearms, alcohol, and drugs. Authorities in Florida, however, did not find the situation amusing.

The individual in question, Taylor Knoop, aged 27, has been charged with two counts of felony child neglect without causing great bodily harm, according to official records.

The case came to light when a concerned citizen alerted the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office after receiving alarming images. One disturbing photo depicted a child, estimated to be around one year old, holding a bag believed to contain approximately a pound of marijuana, as outlined in a probable cause arrest affidavit acquired by Law&Crime.

Further images included a young girl with a Michelob Ultra beer bottle resting on her stomach and another where she seemed to be holding a handgun resembling a Glock, according to the affidavit.

Investigators also uncovered a screenshot of a text conversation between Knoop and a woman who expressed her unease about the content of the photos.

“OK, you act like I care it wasn’t my kid,” Knoop allegedly responded.

Investigators from the sheriff’s office and the Department of Children and Families visited Knoop’s home in DeLeon Springs to interview him. The kids’ rooms appeared to be “under renovation” with the support beams and wires visible, per the complaint. One of the victims, along with two other kids, was living in the home and appeared to be in good health.

Asked about the photos, Knoop confirmed he was aware of them but denied that the marijuana and gun were his. Knoop said the photo with the child and beer bottle was a “joke,” cops wrote. The defendant claimed he was in a different room when the pictures of the baby holding the Glock were taken. He said the photos involving one of the kids were from three years ago.

Deputies took Knoop into custody and took him to the Volusia County Jail, where he has since posted a $10,000 bond. He pleaded not guilty and is next slated to appear in court on Nov. 20.

DCF handed custody of the children to family members.