Reported by Angelina Nunez
Week of 7.27.26 - 7.31.26
Editor’s note:This report contains allegations. All persons accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.
Grant Edward Cowell
Background
Investigators say Grant Edward Cowell used a childcare advertisement as an entry point to begin a conversation with an undercover investigator before repeatedly steering the discussion toward disturbing topics involving sexually abusing and suffocating children, ranging from ages 7 to 8 years old.
According to the investigation, Cowell responded on February 20, 2026 to a Craigslist advertisement posted in the childcare section seeking a male babysitter for an 8-year-old child in St. Augustine.
The undercover investigator, posing as the child’s parent, communicated with Cowell through text messages over a two-day period. Investigators say Cowell engaged in sexually explicit conversations pertaining to the child and also asked whether the child was a “heavy sleeper or light,” whether she would wake up if moved, whether she was “easy to birth,” and whether “her head” was “limp or floppy.”
Authorities described the conversations as highly concerning, alleging Cowell made statements about removing the child’s clothing and asked whether the child’s eyes were visible. Cowell instructed the undercover investigator to place their hands over the child’s mouth and nose, according to the arrest report. Cowell allegedly stated that he wanted the child “to stop breathing for a minute.”
The alleged statements made during the conversation showed a fixation on the child’s breathing and physical response, including questions about whether the child’s airway was “totally blocked,” whether her body changed color, and whether her arms and legs became limp or floppy.
Authorities also say the defendant asked to take the child for two weeks, and Cowell continued sending multiple messages when responses stopped, attempting to continue the discussion.
Cowell was arrested on July 7, 2026, after prosecutors filed charges and an arrest warrant was issued in February. Court records show the warrant was sent to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, which placed a hold on Cowell while he was already in custody.
Current Court Status
Following his arrest, Cowell's case was assigned to Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
At a July 27 arraignment, Cowell waived his right to a speedy trial, and the court continued the case, setting a felony pretrial hearing for September 29, 2026.
Charges
Soliciting the sexual battery of a child under 12
Soliciting a parent or guardian for unlawful sexual conduct involving a child through computer services or devices
Soliciting child abuse and unlawful use of a two-way communication device
Zachary Donald Hannay
Background
A spilled bowl of cereal allegedly escalated into a violent assault on a 5-year-old boy, leading to a felony child abuse charge against Zachary Donald Hannay. It is alleged that Hannay became enraged after two of his young sons spilled cereal while they were at the family's home, according to the arrest report.
The 6-foot Hannay allegedly grabbed the 5-year-old by the face, pinned him against a pantry door, threw him onto a staircase and repeatedly struck him in the face with an open hand.
The child disclosed to investigators that he was slapped approximately 10 times. Deputies reported observing visible marks on the child's face days after the incident, and investigators said the allegations were corroborated by the victim's brother, who witnessed the encounter.
Hannay was arrested on April 11, 2026.
Current Court Status
After arrest, Hannay was later released after posting a $2,500 bond. As a condition of release, the court ordered the defendant to have no contact with the protected victim.
The defendant has not yet entered a plea, and the case remains in the pretrial phase as it moves through the court process. The case is assigned to Judge Christopher S. Ferebee, with the next felony pretrial hearing scheduled for September 3 at 9:00 a.m.
Charges
Third-degree felony child abuse
Andrew Martin Pelger
Background
An online account allegedly tied to Andrew Martin Pelger drew investigators’ attention after a report that child sexual abuse material had been uploaded to the account triggered a cyber tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Information obtained through the legal process helped identify the account holder as Pelger, who investigators said also appeared in some of the reported material. This material consists of a plethora of child sexual abuse material including disturbing visuals of children, as young as toddler age.
On April 19, 2026, deputies with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office executed a residential search warrant at Pelger’s residence. Pelger allegedly refused to comply with deputies’ commands to exit the residence after being informed the warrant was being served.
Investigators found items within Pelger’s home that they said were consistent with child sexual abuse material previously identified from the online account allegedly linked to Pelger, according to the arrest warrant.
Among these items were a child-like sex doll, fake teeth and a knife. At the time of his arrest, investigators reported that a search of Pelger’s residence uncovered nine files containing child sexual abuse material.
Current Court Status
Following his arrest, Pelger posted more than $140,000 in bonds in April 2026.
A felony arraignment hearing was held on June 3, 2026, during which Pelger’s not guilty plea was formally addressed, and the court continued the case for further pretrial proceedings.
The next felony pretrial hearing is set for September 29, 2026, at 9 a.m. before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
Charges
9 felony counts of possession of sexual performance by a child
14 felony counts of possessing generated child pornography
Possessing a child-like sex doll
Resisting an officer without violence
Edward Bernard Thomson
Background
When Edward Bernard Thomson’s wife learned he was facing new sexual abuse allegations involving a child he had previously watched, investigators said her reaction referenced it happening “a second time” and brought up separate allegations Thomson was facing through their church community.
The allegations against Thomson stem from a delayed sexual abuse report made to law enforcement on December 18, 2024. According to the arrest report, the victim reported the abuse began when she was 8 years old and continued for approximately eight years while she was under Thomson’s care, including an alleged incident in February 2024 at his Ponte Vedra residence.
The investigation revealed the victim lived with her mother, whom detectives described as a struggling single working mother raising three children. The victim was introduced to Thomson and his wife, Ana, and investigators said Thomson frequently watched her while her mother was at work.
The victim alleged Thomson engaged in grooming behavior, including using his relationship with the family and financial assistance provided by Thomson and his wife to gain trust. She told investigators Thomson would watch her shower and use the bathroom, among many of his other attempts to inappropriately touch her.
The victim also reported she did not initially disclose the alleged abuse because she feared the consequences and did not want to create additional stress or hardship for her mother. During the investigation, detectives informed Ana Thomson of the allegations against her husband, and she referenced a separate allegation involving Thomson and a child from their church community.
Those allegations stemmed from a 2004 report made by Pastor Daniel Logan of Our Lady of the Seas Catholic Church, who contacted the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office regarding a possible offense involving Thomson.
Investigators later contacted the victim connected to that allegation in March 2025. The victim alleged Thomson attempted to pursue a relationship with her and described several incidents in which he allegedly isolated her, pinned her down and had her sit on his lap while watching child sexual abuse material.
The victim also reported that another person was present during the alleged abuse but failed to intervene. Thomson was arrested in October 2025.
Current Court Status
Following his arrest in October 2025, the case has remained in the pretrial phase before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee. Thomson entered a written plea of not guilty, and the case has moved through several pretrial hearings as both sides continue preparing for trial.
The next felony pretrial hearing is scheduled for September 3, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
Charges
Lewd or lascivious molestation of a child under 12 by a person 18 or older
Lewd or lascivious molestation of a child between the ages of 12 and 16 by a person 18 or older
Bradley Jingco Taguiam
Background
A Jacksonville nurse was among more than 30 people arrested during a multi-agency undercover operation targeting individuals accused of using the internet to prey on children, after investigators said Bradley Jingco Taguiam traveled to meet someone he believed was a 14-year-old boy for sexual activity.
The September 2025 arrest was part of Operation Safe Passage and Operation Unified Watch, a joint effort led by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. According to investigators, the defendant initiated an online conversation with an undercover detective posing as a minor. During the exchange, the defendant allegedly identified himself as a 33-year-old medical professional, and investigators later confirmed he worked as a nurse.
Investigators said the defendant traveled from Jacksonville to meet the person he believed was a minor. After being taken into custody, the defendant initially denied involvement but later admitted he knew the undercover persona was 14 years old and had traveled to meet the minor for sexual activity, according to the arrest warrant. Investigators said the defendant also admitted to using the app, Sniffies, and deleting his web history and account information after seeing law enforcement at the meeting location.
Current Court Status
Following the defendant’s no-contest pleas, the court ordered a pre-sentence investigation. The sentencing hearing is set for September 10, 2026, at 9 a.m. before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
Charges/Convictions
Traveling to meet a minor - pleaded no contest
Tampering with physical evidence - pleaded no contest
Soliciting a child or person believed to be a child for unlawful sexual conduct using a computer or electronic device (no plea entered)
Unlawful use of a two-way communication device (no plea entered)
Yovany Daniel Lopez Cobo
Background
A confrontation at a construction site in the Silverleaf area, near Crimson Leaf Drive and Johns Island Parkway, resulted in gunfire, leaving one person dead and two others injured as Yovany Daniel Lopez Cobo faces murder and attempted murder charges.
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office received multiple 911 calls on March 4, 2026, about a shooting in the area. Investigators allege Lopez Cobo was involved in an altercation with another person that escalated before gunfire broke out.
Surveillance video captured the confrontation, showing Lopez Cobo and the victim arguing before the victim allegedly moved toward Lopez Cobo and kicked him. Detectives said Lopez Cobo then pulled a firearm from his waistband and fired multiple rounds, striking multiple people. One person was pronounced dead at the scene, while two others suffered gunshot injuries.
After the shooting, witnesses reported the suspect fled the area. Investigators tracked his vehicle to nearby County Road 210 and St. Johns Parkway. Deputies stopped the vehicle at Love’s Truck Stop, located at 1025 State Road 206, where Lopez Cobo was identified as the driver.
Deputies said Lopez Cobo told them he had a firearm in his pocket, and they recovered a Glock 19 9mm handgun. After his arrest, investigators said Lopez Cobo claimed he fired the weapon after the confrontation escalated and said he feared for his life.
Current Court Status
On March 9, 2026, Lopez Cobo filed a written plea of not guilty, and the case remains pending with no plea disposition listed on the individual charges. The case remains in the pretrial stage before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee, with multiple felony pretrial hearings continuing as prosecutors and the defense continue reviewing evidence and preparing the case.
A motion for pretrial release was filed in April 2026, but court records indicate Lopez Cobo was in custody on no bond at that time. The next felony pretrial hearing is scheduled for September 29, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
Charges
Second-degree murder with a firearm
Two counts of attempted second-degree murder with a firearm
Kevin Anthony Johnson
Background
A St. Johns County social media influencer says a man developed a romantic fixation with her, leading to multiple stalking-related investigations and allegations that he continued contacting her despite a court-ordered no-contact order.
Kevin Anthony Johnson now faces aggravated stalking allegations after authorities say he violated the order by allegedly showing up at the victim’s home and leaving flowers and a card, according to the arrest warrant.
Following prior stalking allegations, Johnson was placed under a court-ordered no-contact order. Authorities said Johnson later violated that order when he appeared at the victim’s residence on June 17, 2026, where Ring security footage allegedly captured him leaving flowers and a card.
Johnson later sent messages acknowledging he had left the items at her home. Authorities said Johnson also contacted one of the victim’s friends on July 3, allegedly asking for help to spend the Fourth of July with the victim. The victim reported the continued unwanted communication caused significant emotional distress. Johnson was arrested on June 18, 2026 following the allegations.
Current Court Status
Johnson initially posted bond, including two $20,000 surety bonds for the aggravated stalking charges and a $1,500 surety bond for the injunction violation. However, on July 6, 2026, the court entered multiple notices of bond revocation, and the previously posted bonds were revoked.
Johnson entered a written plea of not guilty and waived his arraignment. The case remains in the pretrial stage before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee. In July 2026, Johnson’s defense attorney changed. Tim A. Pribisco Jr. was appointed to represent him, and Richard Lehman was appointed as prosecutor. The next felony pretrial hearing is scheduled for August 21, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
Charges
Two felony charges of aggravated stalking after an injunction
One misdemeanor charge of violating an injunction
Gabriel Eduardo Couso
Background
A man is facing felony charges after authorities say he threatened the mother of his child through text messages and allegedly shared an intimate video of her online without her consent.
Gabriel Eduardo Couso was arrested after investigators said he sent messages threatening to harm the victim, including statements warning she would “not live” if she continued to challenge him.
According to the arrest report, the victim had recently moved out of the home she shared with Couso due to ongoing abuse. Investigators said Couso sent the threatening messages from a known phone number and email account, with screenshots documenting the alleged statements.
Authorities also accused Couso of recording the victim while she was nude and posting the video to his publicly viewable Instagram story without her permission. The victim told investigators she was unaware she had been recorded and discovered the video had been shared after friends saw the post and alerted her.
Current Court Status
Gabriel Eduardo Couso remains in the pretrial phase after being arrested on February 27, 2026, and a domestic violence no-contact order with GPS monitoring was entered as part of his pretrial release conditions.
He later entered a written plea of not guilty, waived his right to a speedy trial and posted bond totaling $26,500 in May 2026. The case remains pending as both sides continue discovery and evidence exchanges.
Several pretrial hearings have been continued, with the next felony pretrial hearing scheduled for September 3, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee.
Charges
Written threats to kill or cause bodily injury
Sexual cyber harassment
Scott Alan Grimsley
Background
What appeared to be a routine address check quickly raised questions for investigators when they arrived at a St. Johns County residence listed as Scott Alan Grimsley’s home and found signs that no one had been living there.
According to the arrest warrant, Grimsley had reported the Elkton property as his new permanent address while updating his sex offender registration with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office on April 2, 2026. But when deputies later conducted an address verification, they alleged the property had been vacant for some time.
Two nearby residents told investigators they had not seen anyone living at the home for approximately a year, and the property manager stated Grimsley had never lived there or submitted an application to reside at the property.
Investigators allege Grimsley then used the same address listed on his registration paperwork as proof of residency when applying for a replacement Florida driver's license on April 6, 2026. After deputies were unable to locate him and reported that he did not return phone calls, a warrant was issued for his arrest.
He was later taken into custody on June 26, 2026, after authorities learned he was being held in Duval County.
Current Court Status
Following his arrest, Grimsley was brought before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee and appointed a public defender. He was scheduled for a felony arraignment on July 6, 2026, but the hearing was delayed after he failed to appear.
The case is now set for a felony pretrial conference on September 1, 2026, before Judge Ferebee.
Charges
Failure to properly register as a sex offender
Obtaining a driver's license by fraud
Jeremy Daniel Davis
Background
Jeremy Daniel Davis, who was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 15 years in prison, is back before the court five years later as he seeks to challenge his conviction and sentence.
Davis was originally arrested in April 2019 after investigators alleged he fatally assaulted Will Alexander Burrell during a physical altercation at a homeless camp in St. Augustine. According to investigators, Davis and Burrell first got into a fight at a camp located west of the railroad tracks north of State Road 16.
After the confrontation, Burrell went to a nearby camp, where witnesses attempted to help treat injuries to his face and mouth. Investigators alleged Davis later followed Burrell to the second camp and attacked him again, repeatedly striking him in the head and face until he became unconscious.
Witnesses told investigators they intervened and were able to stop the attack before Davis left the area. Burrell was flown to a Jacksonville hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Current Court Status
Davis was originally arrested in April 2019 in connection with a second-degree murder case. After nearly two years of court proceedings, he entered a no contest plea to the reduced charge of manslaughter in March 2021. The court adjudicated him guilty and sentenced him to 15 years in prison, with credit for time already served.
Following an unsuccessful appeal, Davis filed a pro se request asking the court to review issues he believes affected his case. Judge Christopher S. Ferebee has not yet issued a ruling following an evidentiary hearing on July 31, 2026. The case remains active as the court considers whether any changes should be made to Davis’ conviction or sentence.
Charges
Second-degree felony manslaughter
Christian Joseph Barrios
Background
A man previously placed on probation after a grand theft conviction is now facing allegations that he carried out a deadly shooting at a St. Johns County Walgreens, killing his girlfriend and another man during a confrontation over alleged infidelity.
Jeremy Daniel Davis is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say he confronted his girlfriend, Melissa Wood, and Jason Chatham at a Walgreens parking lot on March 13, 2026, and shot both victims multiple times.
According to the arrest report, Davis’ mother told detectives she drove him to the Walgreens after he asked for a ride to confront Wood and Chatham. She said Davis immediately exited the vehicle after seeing Wood’s car and walked toward the parking lot. Moments later, she heard multiple gunshots coming from the direction of the vehicle.
Detectives later recovered multiple .380 caliber shell casings from the scene, and both victims were transported to Baptist Beaches Medical Center, where they were pronounced dead. Investigators said Davis fled after the shooting and abandoned his phone near TPC Sawgrass.
Detectives later received information from witnesses who said Davis arrived at a Jacksonville residence around 3 a.m. wearing wet clothes and appeared frantic. The witnesses told investigators Davis said he had shot someone and described firing multiple rounds, including reloading and continuing to fire.
Hours after the shooting, investigators said Davis was connected to a burglary at a Ponte Vedra Beach home, where residents reported someone entered through a back sliding glass door while they were sleeping and stole a black BMW X3 valued at approximately $52,000.
Deputies later located the stolen vehicle in Nassau County, where Davis allegedly fled from law enforcement before crashing the vehicle and being taken into custody.
Davis previously appeared before Judge R. Lee Smith in a separate grand theft case involving the theft of a motorcycle. He pleaded no contest and was adjudicated guilty in October 2023, receiving 364 days in county jail and 24 months of probation.
After a probation violation, his supervision was revoked in June 2025, and he was sentenced to 20 months in prison with credit for time served. Christian Barrios is now facing a capital murder case after prosecutors filed notice that they intend to seek the death penalty if he is convicted.
Current Court Status
Christian Barrios remains in pretrial proceedings in a capital murder case. Barrios entered a written plea of not guilty and was appointed a public defender.
In May 2026, prosecutors filed a notice that they intend to seek the death penalty, citing aggravating factors they believe could support pursuing capital punishment if Barrios is convicted. The defense later filed a motion challenging the State’s request.
In July 2026, the Public Defender’s Office withdrew from representing Barrios, and the court appointed regional conflict counsel to take over his defense.
The case remains pending before Judge Christopher S. Ferebee. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 31, 2026, for a felony arraignment and hearing.
Charges
Two counts of first-degree murder with a firearm
Burglary of an occupied dwelling
Grand theft
Possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon
Firing a missile into a dwelling, vehicle, building or aircraft
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