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Cocoa, Florida – July 21, 2025 – A 66-year-old individual with a history of sexual crimes against children has been arrested and charged with possessing and promoting child sexual abuse material, according to the Cocoa Police Department. Veronica Waterman, formerly known as Rodney Waterman and born on January 20, 1959, is currently held without bond in Brevard County Jail following the execution of a search warrant at their residence.
The arrest stems from an investigation initiated in late May 2025 after a witness, identified in court documents as Maria Colon, reported that Waterman showed her two videos depicting child sexual abuse on a cellphone. The incident allegedly occurred at Waterman’s home on 50 Whaley Street in Cocoa. Colon described the videos in detail: one showed two young girls, estimated to be between 5 and 7 years old, performing oral sex on an adult male, while the other depicted a girl under 10 years old standing in a bathtub, appearing frightened and in a “frozen state.”
According to the affidavit filed on July 17, 2025, in Brevard County Circuit Court (Case No. 05-2025-CF-039175-AXXX-BC), Waterman admitted during questioning to obtaining the material via the encrypted messaging app Telegram, believing it was secure from law enforcement scrutiny. Waterman reportedly told Colon that Telegram’s encryption allowed possession of such videos as long as they were not shared, and even claimed that authorities could not access content without a subpoena. Colon recounted disturbing comments from Waterman about the videos, including statements like, “You saw how much they fucking love it,” and suggesting that one of the children “just needs to get used to it.”
On June 17, 2025, detectives executed a search warrant at the residence and seized a black Android cellphone adorned with Wonder Woman stickers, matching Colon’s description. Waterman, after being read Miranda rights, confessed to viewing images and videos of young females, estimated to be minors, on the phone and other devices. The suspect admitted to receiving photographs and videos of unclothed minor children through social media platforms including Instagram and Telegram.
Forensic analysis of the device revealed at least one file described in the affidavit as a digital image of a female juvenile, estimated to be under 10 years old based on child-like facial features, with an adult penis in her mouth. Waterman faces 10 counts of possession of material depicting sexual conduct by a child and 10 counts of possession and promotion of child pornography.
“This case highlights the importance of community vigilance in protecting our most vulnerable,” said Detective Amanda Torello of the Cocoa Police Department. “We encourage residents in the area to stay aware of their surroundings and report any unusual or concerning activity. Community awareness plays an important role in helping us protect vulnerable individuals and ensure everyone’s safety.”
The Cocoa Police Department emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, with detectives continuing to explore the full extent of Waterman’s activities and potential risks to other individuals. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward and contact the department.
Waterman’s prior history of sexual crimes against children was not detailed in the provided documents, but police noted it as a factor in the severity of the current charges. Court records indicate the case is proceeding under the listed filing number, with further proceedings expected in the coming weeks.
For tips or information related to this case, contact the Cocoa Police Department at (321) 639-7620 or submit anonymously through Crime Line at 1-800-423-TIPS.
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