On February 7, 2022, the Lakeland Police Department began investigating a report of child pornography being possessed by 20-year-old Bryce Bagwell who lived inside the city limits of Lakeland. Detectives assigned to investigate the allegation located enough evidence to obtain a search warrant for Bagwell’s residence and electronic devices on February 9, 2022. Multiple electronic devices were seized from Bagwell’s residence and forensically examined. On March 9, 2022, a warrant was issued for Bagwell’s arrest. In all, Bagwell was charged with possessing at least 100 counts of child pornography. On April 16, 2024, Bagwell entered a plea in his case and was sentenced to 5 years in state prison and 15 years probation. He was also required to register as a sex offender.
It takes a team of dedicated officers, detectives, and forensic examiners working together with the State Attorney’s Office to successfully prosecute a case such as this.