On September 3, Tyler Habdas, 32, was sentenced to five years in prison, followed by eight years of sex offender probation. He was found guilty by a jury in July on five counts of Unlawful Use of a Two-way Communication Device, three counts of Video Voyeurism involving a Victim Under 12, and Child Abuse.
This case started on January 30, 2023, when the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into Habdas’ activities. As the case progressed, FCSO Major Case Unit detectives obtained a search warrant for Habdas’ phone. FCSO’s Digital Forensics Unit analyzed the phone which revealed disturbing images on the device and secret recordings of the victim dating back several months.
Habdas was arrested on May 8, 2023, and had been released on bond pending trial. His trial took place the week of July 16, 2024. The jury convicted Habdas on all counts charged by the State Attorney’s Office and he was immediately remanded into custody by the judge. He had been held in custody at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility until his sentencing. He will now be transferred to the Florida Department of Corrections to serve his prison sentence.
“Our Digital Forensics Unit played a crucial role in the investigation,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “We know that today’s criminal leaves a digital footprint, and we just have to find it. That is why we started the Digital Forensics Unit and ensure that we have the most up-to-date technology and capabilities to investigate criminals of today’s era.”
“I’m thankful the victim spoke to an adult they trusted that lead to a conviction,” added Sheriff Staly. “I also commend the commitment of the detectives and deputies who worked this case to the very end to make sure justice was served. This pervert is now going to where he belongs… prison for taking the innocence away from a young child.”
