DELEON SPRINGS, Fla. – A 27-year-old man has been charged with two felony counts of child neglect after investigators say photographs surfaced showing young children in his home posed next to a handgun, marijuana, and alcohol.
According to an arrest affidavit from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, Taylor Jordan Knoop was taken into custody Saturday night at his residence on West Avenue following a Department of Children and Families investigation.
Deputies said the photos—initially sent anonymously to a daycare contact—depicted two children, estimated to be between one and two years old, surrounded by illegal substances and unsafe items inside Knoop’s home.
Key Points
- Taylor Knoop, 27, charged with two counts of felony child neglect in Volusia County.
- Photos showed a baby holding a bag of suspected marijuana and a toddler posed with a gun and beer bottle.
- Deputies and DCF investigators found unsafe living conditions at the home.
Disturbing photos trigger DCF investigation
The case began on October 17 when a caller reported receiving six photographs allegedly taken inside Knoop’s residence. One image showed an infant holding what deputies identified as a large plastic bag of suspected marijuana while Knoop crouched nearby. Another showed a toddler sleeping on a couch with a beer bottle and later with a Glock-style handgun placed in her hands.
Deputy Aberle, who recognized Knoop and the residence from prior contact, submitted the photographs as evidence and notified the Department of Children and Families.
Home deemed unsafe for children
On October 19, deputies accompanied a DCF investigator to Knoop’s home to check on the children. Officials said the rooms were under construction with exposed insulation, wiring, and unfinished ceilings. Though the children appeared to be in good health, the home was deemed unsuitable for habitation, and relatives were contacted to take custody.
Knoop admits knowledge of photos
During questioning, Knoop admitted knowing about the photographs and confirmed that the package in one image contained marijuana. He told deputies the substance belonged to another person and claimed the photos were taken several years ago. Investigators said the pictures originated from a Snapchat account under Knoop’s name.
Arrest and charges
Following the interview, deputies arrested Knoop on two felony counts of child neglect without great bodily harm. He was booked into the Volusia County Jail without bond. The investigation remains ongoing in coordination with DCF.