ST. AUGUSTINE, FL / OOLTEWAH, TN — A 61-year-old man is in custody following a multi-state investigation that uncovered what authorities describe as a disturbing collection of illegal material and child-like dolls. Andrew Pelger surrendered to authorities at the Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center on April 30, 2026, after investigators from Florida and Tennessee collaborated to execute a series of search warrants.
Pelger faces numerous felony charges in St. Johns County, including nine counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and Prohibition of Certain Acts in Connection with Obscene Lewd Materials.
Initial Discovery in Florida
The investigation began on April 19, 2026, when Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) detectives from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO) raided Pelger’s residence on North Durbin Parkway in St. Augustine. During that search, detectives reported finding:
- Digital Material: Nine counts of CSAM identified on electronic devices.
- Physical Evidence: Sex toys and multiple child-like sex dolls.
Following the initial raid, Pelger was arrested and subsequently released on bond.
Tennessee Search and Storage Discovery
While Pelger was out on bond, SJSO detectives uncovered evidence of a second residence in Ooltewah, Tennessee, as well as a nearby storage unit. Working alongside the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), the FBI Jacksonville office, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), authorities executed additional warrants at those locations.
The search in Tennessee led to the discovery of twelve additional child-like dolls. Following these discoveries, additional warrants were issued, leading Pelger to turn himself in to Tennessee authorities.
A Joint Agency Commitment
St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick emphasized the importance of the partnership between state and federal agencies in tracking offenders across state lines.
“The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with HCSO, FBI, and TBI, worked together to show our commitment for holding offenders accountable to keep our communities safe.”
Call for Information
The investigation remains active as digital forensic teams review the seized materials for potential evidence of further crimes or unidentified victims.
Authorities are urging anyone with information that could assist detectives to contact the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at 904-824-8304.