HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A Hillsborough County Fire Rescue captain facing 100 charges of child pornography was found dead in his cell at the Falkenberg Jail on February 25.
Marshall Van Nelson, 52, took his own life in the cell and his death is under investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Nelson was previously arrested after the HCSO said its Internet Predator Unit served a search warrant at an unreported location in the county on Jan. 30 following a "thorough investigation."
During the search, detectives said they found multiple electronic devices containing more than 300 images and videos of child sexual abuse material.
Nelson was arrested on 100 county of child pornography.
"The actions of this individual are not only vile and deeply disturbing but also a betrayal of the trust placed in those who are meant to protect and serve," Sheriff Chad Chronister said at the time. "There is no place in our community for such reprehensible behavior."
ABC Action News reporter Michael Paluska heads to Weedon Island, which has a rich history that dates back more than 12,000 years. During that time, it was home to Indigenous populations, a movie studio, an airport, a safe haven for bootleggers during prohibition, and so much more. Today, the preserve protects this wide diversity of natural and cultural resources for current and future generations.
