Florida Personal Trainer Hit with 100 Felony Charges in Disturbing Voyeurism and Child Pornography Case
A Volusia County personal trainer is facing a staggering 100 felony charges after a months-long investigation uncovered a hidden network of voyeurism, online distribution of explicit content, and possession of child pornography, authorities announced this week. David Lee Van Moorsel, 28, of DeLand, was arrested Tuesday following a sweeping probe by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office (VSO). Detectives say Van Moorsel used his position and access to covertly film women both in private residences and public gym facilities over the course of several years, exploiting those close to him and strangers alike.
Criminal Charges: An Explosive Arrest Warrant
According to the VSO, Van Moorsel now faces the following felony charges:
40 counts of video voyeurism
40 counts of unlawful use of a two-way communication device
30 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material
Authorities said the investigation began on June 16, when Van Moorsel’s ex-girlfriend contacted deputies after discovering that he had secretly recorded their female roommate in private settings for nearly two years. She also found hidden cameras installed in the bathroom and on a bookshelf in the roommate’s bedroom.
“This investigation is deeply disturbing not only because of the volume of evidence but because of the deliberate and calculated nature of the crimes,” said Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood in a statement.
“This individual betrayed the trust of people around him and targeted vulnerable women for his own gratification.”
Evidence Spans Homes and Gym Spaces
Once detectives secured a warrant, Van Moorsel’s phone was seized and subjected to forensic analysis. Investigators uncovered a trove of voyeuristic footage, explicit photos, and online conversations discussing the sharing and trading of these materials. Deputies say the digital evidence confirmed that the roommate’s images had been circulated online without her consent.
The investigation also turned up multiple videos taken inside Gold’s Gym in Daytona Beach, where Van Moorsel worked as a personal trainer. The videos appeared to be surreptitious recordings of female gym-goers exercising. According to law enforcement, these clips were captured in public areas of the gym, and although disturbing and predatory, they did not violate Florida law as no reasonable expectation of privacy existed in those locations.
Prior Sex Crime Conviction in Montana
Perhaps most alarming is Van Moorsel’s criminal history. The VSO confirmed that he was previously convicted of sexual assault in Montana, stemming from a case involving a 13-year-old female relative whom he was found guilty of groping. He was also accused of watching another 13-year-old girl in the shower, though charges in that instance were reportedly dropped or not pursued. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office has since alerted the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, after finding evidence suggesting similar crimes may have occurred in that jurisdiction.
No Bond, No Release
Van Moorsel remains in custody without bond at the Volusia County Branch Jail. Additional charges may be filed pending further analysis of the digital evidence.
“This case should serve as a wake-up call,” said Sheriff Chitwood.
“There are predators hiding behind social masks and legitimate professions, and we will use every tool we have to bring them to justice.”
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to Van Moorsel or similar incidents is urged to contact the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
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