Well-known Mobile event florist arrested on child porn charges
An Internet Crimes Against Children investigation has landed 30-year-old Tyler McIlwain of Mobile in jail
MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - An Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation has landed 30-year-old Tyler McIlwain of Mobile in jail.
The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office says McIlwain hit their radar two months ago after the ICAC unit received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
On Thursday morning, deputies arrested McIlwain at his home on Walter Smith Road. Investigators say they discovered the inappropriate material on McIlwain’s phone and computer.
McIlwain is charged with 5 counts of possessing child pornography and 5 counts of disseminating it. Neighbors say Walter Smith Road is normally a quiet, unassuming street. One person in the area described the scene as tragic and shocking to the community.
According to his website, McIlwain is the owner and operator of Tyler Matthews Creations, a full-service florist in West Mobile. His website states that he services clients across the Gulf Coast for weddings, holiday decor and design.
A Mobile County spokesperson says McIlwain has decorated Government Plaza for events like Christmas and Mardi Gras. In fact, the Mardi Gras decorations that sit in the Government Plaza Atrium right now are his very creations.
Jail records show as of Thursday afternoon, McIlwain remained in Metro Jail. He has a bond hearing scheduled for Friday.
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