Former Florida 911 Operator Charged in Child Exploitation Case Faces 100 Years in Prison

A former Florida 911 operator faces up to 100 years in prison after investigators alleged he possessed, distributed and solicited child sexual abuse material while working for the Key West Police Department.

Jacob Rookey, 21, was arrested following an investigation that began with a cyber tip submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Authorities later traced the activity through an IP address before the case expanded into a wider investigation involving subpoenas, search warrants, and alleged online communications tied to Snapchat activity.

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office initially received the tip before determining the case fell within the FDLE Florida Keys jurisdiction. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement later executed search warrants and subpoenas that allegedly uncovered communications involving the purchase, sale, and transmission of child sexual abuse material, as well as animal sexual abuse material.

Investigators also allege that Rookey solicited minors to send explicit material and, in some communications, posed as an underage girl online.

The investigation began with a cyber tip before expanding into a broader review of electronic communications and online activity connected to the allegations.

FDLE said Rookey was employed as a 911 telecommunicator with the Key West Police Department during the period covered by the investigation.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said investigators would seek the maximum punishment available under state law for individuals accused of trading child exploitation material online.

Rookey was charged with multiple offences, including promotion of child sexual abuse material, possession of child sexual abuse material, transmission of child sexual abuse material by electronic device, solicitation-related charges, generated altered sexual images charges, and several counts tied to the promotion of animal sexual abuse materials. Authorities said Rookey faces up to 100 years in prison if convicted on all charges.

The case will now proceed through the court system as prosecutors continue reviewing evidence connected to the investigation. Rookey is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.