A Winter Haven man is facing nearly 50 felony charges after a California mother discovered disturbing messages on her seven-year-old daughter’s phone, triggering a cross-country investigation that led to an arrest this week.
Alex Joel Melendez, 24, was taken into custody Thursday evening and charged with 49 counts of enhanced possession of child pornography. Police said the case began just days earlier, on January 13, when Winter Haven detectives received a referral from the Yuba City Police Department in California.
According to authorities, a mother in Yuba City confiscated her daughter’s cellphone and found illicit communications. She turned the device over to police, who traced the messages back to Winter Haven. Using subscriber information, including an email address and birth date, investigators identified Melendez as the person responsible.
On January 15 at about 6:40 p.m., Winter Haven detectives, with assistance from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at Melendez’s residence on Cambridge Drive.
During the search, investigators reportedly uncovered extensive evidence of exploitation, including explicit photos, videos, and vulgar messages exchanged with minors through Snapchat. Police said Melendez often shared personal details, such as his first name and age, in the messages, which helped confirm his identity.
After his arrest, Melendez admitted to soliciting nude images and videos from minors beginning in early 2024, according to police. He reportedly told detectives he acted for financial gain and intended to sell the material. Investigators said Melendez would randomly add users on Snapchat to initiate conversations and then direct victims on what to do.
The arrest report states Melendez acknowledged he knew he was communicating with children based on their physical appearance in the images. He also admitted to bypassing social media bans by creating new accounts within days or weeks after being blocked from platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram.
Melendez has been charged with 49 counts of enhanced possession of child pornography, each a second-degree felony. Police said additional charges are possible as forensic analysts continue reviewing his electronic devices.
Winter Haven Police Chief Vance Monroe praised the swift response by law enforcement agencies involved in the case.
“My detectives worked tirelessly and with a sense of urgency to bring this monster into custody,” Monroe said in a statement. “Each video or photograph he uploaded feeds the child exploitation industry and victimizes these young lives over and over. Parents need to take charge and view all of your child’s devices whether it’s a gaming console, cell phone, tablet or any other electronic devices.”
Authorities urged anyone who believes their child may have been victimized to contact the Winter Haven Police Department immediately.