Authorities in Florida have arrested a man accused of taking disturbing photos of young children holding guns, drugs, and alcohol — images that sparked outrage after being shared with a concerned citizen.
Taylor Knoop, 27, of DeLeon Springs, faces two felony counts of child neglect without great bodily harm, according to court records.
A probable cause affidavit obtained by Law&Crime states that the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office was alerted after a caller reported receiving several troubling images — including one of a child, estimated to be about a year old, holding a bag that appeared to contain roughly a pound of marijuana.
Another image allegedly showed a girl with a Michelob Ultra beer bottle resting on her stomach, while a third showed her holding what appeared to be a Glock-style handgun. Investigators also reviewed a text exchange in which a woman confronted Knoop about the photos.
“OK, you act like I care it wasn’t my kid,” Knoop allegedly replied.
Deputies, along with representatives from the Florida Department of Children and Families, visited Knoop’s residence to conduct interviews. The home was reportedly under renovation, with exposed beams and wiring visible. Three children were living there at the time and appeared to be in generally good health.
When questioned, Knoop admitted he was aware of the photos but denied ownership of the marijuana and firearm, claiming one image — showing a child with a beer bottle — was meant as a “joke.” He also said the gun photo had been taken years earlier when he was not in the room.
Knoop was arrested and booked into the Volusia County Jail before posting a $10,000 bond. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to return to court on November 20.
The Department of Children and Families has since placed the children in the care of relatives.