New Smyrna Beach city employee accused of child sex crimes, deputies say

Fred Harvey,56, Boy Scout leader, being held without bail

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – An Edgewater man was arrested Saturday morning on charges of molestation and child pornography,  Volusia County deputies said.

Deputies were conducting an investigation into Fred Harvey, 56, after receiving a tip that he may have child pornography on his computer. During the investigation, deputies found emails containing pictures of Harvey sexually molesting a 14-year-old girl, according to the arrest report.

Based on the findings, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant Friday night at Harvey's home in Edgewater, according to VCSO. 

Harvey was arrested Saturday morning and booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail, where he is being held without bail, according to jail records.

Investigators say they're worried there may be more victims due to Harvey's access to children through his job at a New Smyrna Beach Park. Harvey is also a Boy Scout troop leader, according to deputies. 

Harvey will be suspended without pay from his employment with the city of New Smyrna Beach while an internal investigation is conducted, according to the New Smyrna Beach Police Department.

The NSBPD offered its sympathy to both the community and the victims affected in a statement it issued about Harvey's case.

Central Florida Boy Scouts also removed Harvey from his position as a troop leader.

“The behavior included in these allegations is completely unacceptable and runs counter to everything for which the Boy Scouts of America stands. While the allegations are unrelated to Scouting, upon learning of these reports we took immediate action to revoke this individual’s registration and preclude him from any further participation in our programs,” said Boy Scout Executive Eric Magendantz.

Anyone with information about Harvey is asked to call the Volusia County Sheriff's Office at 386-323-3574.