A Putnam County father and his adult son were arrested after deputies executed a search warrant at a Crescent City-area home and seized electronic devices that investigators say contained hundreds of images of child sexual abuse material. Both men remain in the Putnam County Jail while detectives and digital forensics teams catalogue the files and work with prosecutors.
Detectives say the warrant was served early July 9 at a home occupied by registered sex offender Gary Coston, 49, and his son, Dillan Coston, 27, after a cyber tip indicated illicit material was being viewed on a computer linked to Dillan, as reported by News4Jax. Investigators say they seized a cellphone believed to belong to Dillan and that a forensic review completed July 14 allegedly identified hundreds of files depicting children. News4Jax reports Dillan was initially charged with possession of sexual performance by a child and using a two-way communications device to facilitate a felony, and that prosecutors later added counts alleging possession of 10 or more images.
Charges and jail records
The Putnam County jail roster shows both men in custody and lists booking information tied to the July 9 arrest, including counts for obscene material and related offenses; the roster is available online. County records list Dillan’s booking and multiple felony counts tied to possession of child sexual abuse material, and show Gary Coston held on a probation-violation hold with an outstanding attempted capital sexual battery matter from a 2005 Clay County case. The roster provides statute codes, booking dates and custody status that will be updated as prosecutors file additional charges.
What investigators say they found
According to local reporting, a forensic review finished July 14 allegedly flagged hundreds of image and video files depicting minors from infants to older children, and detectives say the device also included an AI-generated chat in which Dillan discussed avoiding charges in a Chris Hansen-style sting, as reported by News4Jax. Investigators say they seized the phone at the scene and turned it over to digital forensics specialists to preserve and index evidence. Detectives and prosecutors will sort the files before deciding whether more counts should be filed.
How these probes usually begin
Many CSAM investigations start with a report routed through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline, which reviews tips from providers and the public and forwards leads to the appropriate law-enforcement agency. NCMEC explains that analysts use hashes and other technical tools to help identify hosting locations and potential jurisdictions before cases move to local investigators. That cybertip-to-warrant sequence is the pathway local authorities say led to the search in this case.
Legal implications
Under Florida law, knowingly soliciting, possessing or intentionally viewing images that include minors is a separate third-degree felony for each image under Fla. Stat. §827.071, and other provisions allow reclassification or stiffer penalties in certain circumstances, according to the state statutes. Prosecutors can charge each image or depiction as a separate offense and may add counts for communications or device-facilitated crimes as investigators identify additional evidence. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
What happens next
Both men are in Putnam County custody while the investigation continues and prosecutors review digital evidence to determine final filings and court dates. Authorities have not released details about potential victims; the sheriff’s office and state attorneys will handle victim notifications if applicable. People with tips can contact the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office or report suspected child sexual exploitation to NCMEC.
