Winter Haven, Florida – A 24-year-old Winter Haven resident has been arrested and charged with 49 counts of enhanced possession of child pornography following a multi-agency investigation prompted by a referral from California authorities.
According to the Winter Haven Police Department, on January 13, 2026, detectives were notified of an ongoing child pornography investigation originating in California. The suspect was identified as residing within Winter Haven city limits, prompting local assistance.
Investigators determined that 24-year-old Alex Joel Melendez (DOB August 19, 2001) was linked to the case after a 7-year-old girl’s cellphone was examined by the Yuba City, California, Police Department. Winter Haven detectives secured a search warrant based on this information.
On January 15, 2026, at approximately 6:40 p.m., Winter Haven detectives, assisted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, executed the search warrant at Melendez’s residence. The search uncovered disturbing evidence, including photos, videos, and explicit messages exchanged between Melendez and minor victims via a Snapchat account.
Melendez was identified through subscriber information matching his email address and date of birth, as well as messages in which he provided his name as “Alex,” his age, and his birth month of August.
Further investigation revealed multiple CyberTipline reports to Snapchat involving victims aged 7 to 17 years old. During questioning, Melendez admitted that since approximately March or April 2024, he had been soliciting nude images and videos from minors via Snapchat, which he then sold. He stated he would randomly add users, initiate conversations, request explicit content, and direct victims on what to do. Melendez acknowledged knowing the individuals were minors based on the physical depictions in the images and videos. He confirmed using only Snapchat and noted that after being blocked on Snapchat or Instagram, he would create new accounts within a week. He claimed the activity was motivated solely by financial gain and that he accessed the platform using his home WiFi, which he shares with his mother.
Melendez was taken into custody and charged with 49 counts of enhanced possession of child pornography, a second-degree felony. Additional charges are expected pending further analysis of his devices.
Police Chief Vance Monroe stated, “My detectives worked tirelessly and with a sense of urgency to bring this monster into custody. Each video or photograph he uploaded feeds the child exploitation industry and victimizes these young lives over and over. Parents need to take charge and view all of your child’s devices whether it’s a gaming console, cell phone, tablet or any other electronic devices.”
SOURCE: WINTER HAVEN POLICE DEPARTMENT
