Executive Summary
Laws and Precedent
Gabriel Michael Stoelzel, a 26-year-old Port St. Lucie resident formerly of Tallahassee, pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to a range of child exploitation crimes, including attempting to entice a minor for sexual activity, distributing child pornography, and receiving child pornography. The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida.
Investigation Details
Court documents reveal that in 2024, the Tallahassee Police Department initiated an investigation after receiving CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. These tips originated from online social media platforms, indicating suspicious activity related to child exploitation.
The investigation uncovered that Stoelzel had uploaded child pornography to social media servers and distributed these files to other users. He also engaged in communications with individuals, some of whom claimed to be as young as 14, attempting to persuade them to meet for sexual encounters. Furthermore, Stoelzel was found to have sent and received child pornography through an online application.
Law Enforcement’s Commitment
U.S. Attorney Heekin emphasized the commitment to protecting children, stating, “It is one of our highest duties to protect our children from the predations of sex offenders like this defendant.” He applauded the “outstanding investigative work” by state and federal law enforcement partners.
Heekin affirmed his office’s resolve to “prosecute these sick individuals with the full force of the law to keep our children safe both online and in our communities.”
Legal Consequences and Sentencing
Stoelzel now faces severe penalties, including a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment. The maximum potential sentence extends to life imprisonment, followed by five years to life of supervised release upon his eventual release.
The successful investigation was a collaborative effort between the Tallahassee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen is prosecuting the case.
Sentencing for Stoelzel is scheduled for January 5, 2026, at 10:00 am. The hearing will take place at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida, before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
Next Steps
This guilty plea underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from online predators. Stoelzel’s sentencing next year will determine the extent of his punishment for these serious federal offenses.
