BROOKSVILLE, FL — A 62-year-old Brooksville man previously released on bond for child sexual abuse material charges has been re-arrested and is now held without bond after state agents uncovered a scheme to steal the identity of a disabled elderly man and flee the country to evade prosecution.
Paul Wolaver was taken back into custody on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, following a second residential search warrant executed by Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) agents. He faces a new charge of solicitation to commit exploitation of the elderly, a third-degree felony, alongside his original 15 second-degree felony charges.
Undercover Cyber Investigation and Initial Arrest
The legal proceedings against Wolaver stem from a statewide FDLE undercover initiative targeting the online distribution of child abuse material launched in March 2026.
During the cyber investigation, agents traced an active internet protocol (IP) address to Wolaver’s residence. Detectives determined that multiple files had been shared from the location, including video files promoting the sexual performance of a minor.
On June 10, 2026, FDLE agents executed their first search warrant at Wolaver’s home, seizing several electronic devices and external hard drives. An initial forensic review uncovered thousands of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) files. Wolaver was arrested on 14 counts of possession of CSAM and one count of promotion of a sexual performance by a child. Following his initial booking at the Hernando County Jail, he was granted bond and subsequently released.
Escape Plot and Identity Theft Interception
On July 18, FDLE agents received intelligence indicating that Wolaver was making active preparations to flee the United States to avoid standing trial. To facilitate his escape, Wolaver attempted to steal the identity of a disabled elderly male victim.
Agents returned to Wolaver’s Brooksville home on July 22 with a second search warrant. During the search, investigators recovered physical documents and digital communications that directly corroborated witness testimony regarding his plan to assume the disabled victim’s identity and escape abroad.
Wolaver was re-arrested on-site and booked into the Hernando County Jail, where a judge ordered him held with no bond.
Prosecution Details: The case has been assigned for prosecution to Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution. FDLE confirmed that the broader investigation remains active.