WALTON COUNTY, FLA— A former Special Forces Veteran and Freeport resident is charged after it was found he groomed and sexually abused a minor over two years.
Walton County Sheriff’s Office took the report involving Brendan Souder, 42, on Wednesday, August 28th.
It was reported Souder met the juvenile victim through competitive shooting and within a year was engaging in a predatory sexual relationship lasting two years.
The case was assigned to the Criminal Investigations Bureau and on Thursday a search warrant was conducted by CIB and Walton County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team on Souder’s property in Gaskin off County Highway 181 East. Evidence collected during the search warrant gave probable cause for Souder’s arrest.
Due to circumstances surrounding the investigation, the egregiousness of these charges, and Sounder’s background in Special Forces and firearms training the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force assisted in his apprehension.
On Saturday, August 31st, Souder was arrested as he deplaned a flight into Pensacola International Airport and was transported and booked into Escambia County Jail.
Wednesday, September 4th, Souder will be extradited to Walton County where he will face multiple felony charges including lewd and lascivious battery of a child 12-16 years old, lewd and lascivious molestation of a child 12-16 years old, possession of child pornography, child abuse, and having sex with a victim 16-17 with a suspect over the age of 24.
Freeport Man, Special Forces Veteran Charged With Sexual Abuse of a Minor, Arrested at Pensacola International Airport