Palatka, FL – A father and son from Crescent City are facing multiple charges following a child exploitation investigation that began with a cyber tip received by law enforcement, according to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the sheriff’s office, detectives executed a search warrant at a Crescent City residence on July 9 after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) alleging child sexual abuse material had been viewed on a computer associated with Dillan Coston, 27.
Investigators said they located Dillan Coston inside the home and seized a cellphone believed to belong to him. A forensic examination of the device allegedly uncovered hundreds of files depicting child sexual abuse material involving minors of various ages. Authorities also said detectives found internet searches related to criminal charges involving online child exploitation investigations.
According to the sheriff’s office, Dillan Coston was initially charged on July 9 with possession of a sexual performance by a child and using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony. On July 17, investigators announced he had been additionally charged with 10 counts of possession of 10 or more images of child pornography. He remains in the Putnam County Jail on a $305,000 bond, according to officials.
Authorities also arrested Gary Coston, 49, a registered sexual predator, after investigators determined he allegedly violated probation by failing to report a social media account and other required internet identifiers. The sheriff’s office said Gary Coston’s underlying conviction stems from a 2005 Clay County attempted capital sexual battery case. He remains jailed without bond on the probation violation, according to authorities.
The investigation remains ongoing. The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
