The critical evidence was found in a password-protected hidden file on Klenz’s phone. BCSO worked with agents from the United States Secret Service to break the encryption and access the file’s contents.

“What was on that secret file was — folks, no other word — disgusting,” Ivey said in a video statement released Thursday.

The material included images of adults having sex with infants, according to Ivey.

Ivey said Klenz was not merely a consumer of the material. He was allegedly the moderator of an online chat room where the content was being distributed.

The investigation was initiated after a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which routinely flags suspected child sexual abuse material to law enforcement agencies nationwide. BCSO Agent Age of Stake is credited with identifying the subject connected to the tip and building the case.

Who Is Michael Klenz?

Court records show charges of possession of material depicting sexual conduct by a child across 10 counts.

Klenz’s LinkedIn profile identifies him as an adjunct professor at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, a position he has held since August 2024, teaching in a hybrid capacity. Prior to that role, he worked as a Boeing 767-300 pilot for Northern Air Cargo from November 2022 to August 2023, and as a Boeing 727-200 pilot for Kalitta Charters II from June 2021 to May 2022. He also served as Head of Training and Chief Flight Instructor at Florida Institute of Technology for more than four years before taking an early retirement in 2020.

Florida Division of Corporations records show that Klenz was the registered agent and manager of a Florida limited liability company called Dead Reckoning Solutions, LLC, registered at 1289 Mosswood Court, Indialantic. That company was voluntarily dissolved on January 30, 2023.

The Space Coast Rocket is reaching out to Florida Institute of Technology for comment regarding Klenz’s employment status following his arrest.

Sheriff’s Statement

Ivey did not mince words in his video announcement, released as part of BCSO’s “Whatcha Gonna Do” series.

“This guy has no place out in society,” Ivey said. “He better stay on no bond.”

Ivey described the material as showing adults having sex with infants, and said Klenz served as the moderator of the online chat room where the content was shared — not merely a participant.

Ivey praised the BCSO agents who work child exploitation cases, calling them “special people” for their ability to pursue investigations involving material that is deeply disturbing to review.

“My hat’s off to our agents. What an amazing job they do in working these types of cases, protecting our most vulnerable citizens — our children,” Ivey said.

What Comes Next

Klenz faces 10 felony counts under Florida Statute 827.071, which governs sexual performance by a child. Each count carries a potential sentence of up to five years in state prison under Florida law, though prosecutors may seek enhanced penalties given the nature of the material and Klenz’s alleged role as a chat room moderator.

The case remains at the “Original Pending” stage, meaning formal charges have been filed but no disposition has been entered.

The Space Coast Rocket will continue to follow this case as it moves through the Brevard County court system.