On July 6th, of 2022, FCSO was informed about a sex offense complaint at a group home where juveniles were involved. There was evidence discovered in the initial investigation that led FCSO detectives to believe this case involved human trafficking. Major Case Master Detective LaVerne and Detective First Class Butler took the case on and were able to determine that Peter James Strickland, a 32 year old Palm Coast resident, was “soliciting sex acts” from minors who were potentially as young as 13 years old. He was offering victims valuable items in return for sex acts and he was also determined to have recorded these acts. He was interviewed at his place of work, Palm Coast Utilities, where he did indeed admit to having sexual relations with between the ages of 13-17, 15 times over two years. He admitted to trading valuable items for acts of sex from minors.
“This was great work by our Major Case Unit and our Digital Forensics Unit for finding the evidence
that got this pervert and human trafficker off the streets,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Anyone who takes
away a child’s innocence deserves to be behind bars forever. I hope this arrest will allow some closure
to the victims and they are able to get the help they need. And to anyone who thinks they’ll get away
with preying on our children, here’s the reminder that we will not stop until you’re arrested and unable
to hurt another child ever again! I would also like to thank Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, specifically
their electronics sniffing K-9 for helping us locate the evidence.”
“I am glad the Sheriff’s Office was able to stop him,” said Mayor David Alfin. “It is unfortunate that he
was a utility worker but to our knowledge he did not do any of this disgusting behavior while working. I
have faith in the Sheriff’s investigation and that the criminal justice system will hold him accountable.”
He was originally arrested for Unlawful Sexual Activity with Certain Minors (2nd Degree Felony) and was held on a $100,000 bond.
Update #1.
On August of 2022, Strickland was charged with three more charges. He was charged with three county of Lewd or Lascivious Battery (2nd Degree Felony) and his bond amount was raised from $100,000 to $300,000.
Update #2.
The Cyber Crimes Unit of FCSO filed 21 more charges against Strickland. He was charged with 16 counts of Child Pornography and 5 counts of possession of sexual material involving animals.
His bond was increased an additional $105,000 based on the new charges.
Update #3.
On January 25th of 2023, Peter Strickland pled guilty to 26 felony counts and was sentenced to 25 years in Florida State Prison, which will be followed by 15 years of sex offender probation; as well as being designated as a sex offender.
“I’m thankful that our detectives and the State Attorney’s Office could bring this case to a close,
especially during Human Trafficking Awareness Month,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “This pervert will spend
the next 25 years in prison where he can’t prey on any more young children. We also hope that
knowing the offender will spend 25 years in prison will help the victims recover from their trauma and
the innocence he took away from them.”
