SANTA ROSA COUNTY

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Sheriff Wendell Hall

Navarre Man Arrested for Providing Obscene Material to a Minor

A Navarre man was arrested yesterday evening after the Sheriff's Office investigated a complaint that was filed through the Department of Children and Families. DCF received a complaint on their abuse hotline alleging that a male suspect was involving a female child under the age of twelve in inappropriate behavior. The investigation revealed the following.

During the summer of 2008, the female victim (a minor) stayed for a weekend at the home of Michael Austin in Navarre , Florida . The victim alleged that Austin wanted her to watch sexually oriented videos with him. The victim also alleged that Austin asked her to take off her clothes and lay down on the bed. The victim wouldn't take off her clothes, but alleged that Austin removed his clothes. The victim described the adult oriented activities that she observed in the videos. The victim also alleged that Austin showed her pornographic magazines and described the content to investigators. The victim also told investigators where Austin had kept these materials in his home. On February 10, 2009 , Sheriff's Office investigators executed a search warrant on Austin 's home. Numerous adult oriented magazines and DVD's were located in the area of which the victim described. All of the materials were found in areas that were easily accessible to a child. Investigators completed a sworn affidavit documenting their findings and the victim's allegations and brought it before a circuit court judge. A warrant was then issued for the arrest of Austin . Austin was arrested at 1427 hours on 2/17/09 . He was charged with two felony counts of distributing obscene material to a minor. At the time of this release, Austin is currently in the Santa Rosa County Jail where he is being held with no bond. A photograph of Austin is attached to this email.

SUSPECT:

Michael Joseph Austin, W/M, 33 years old

7239 Majestic Blvd, Navarre , FL

Press Release By:

Sgt. Scott Haines

Media Relations Unit

(850) 981-2136 or shaines@srso.net