Authorities in Sumter County, Florida, have confirmed the arrest of Craig Steven Rowe, a 54-year-old man from Weeki Wachee.
As per the source, he faced multiple felony charges related to child exploitation, including obscene communication, lewd and lascivious behavior, and possession of child pornography.
Rowe, who, according to community members, had previously been involved in local youth coaching, was taken into custody on Sunday, September 7, 2025, and booked into the Sumter County Jail without bond.
Booking records list his case under number 2025CF887, and detail several serious offenses, including obscene communication after using a computer to lure a child, lewd or lascivious battery against a victim between the ages of 12 and 16.
Officials reported that Rowe is being held with no opportunity for bond, underscoring the severity of the charges.
He is currently housed in Dorm AB, Pod AB, Cell 004 at the jail. According to the booking report, his listed address is in Weeki Wachee, Florida.
The arrest has shaken residents, particularly after social media posts started circulating that drew attention to Rowe’s history in the community.
In a Facebook post, Todd LeBlanc reacted strongly to the news, stating,
I hope this Demon didn’t harm any of our local youth. He was quite the “popular guy” as I recall. Wasn’t he a coach? Expose All pedophiles!
Todd LeBlanc
Some social media users have raised their concerns. Vitaline LaPage requested to remove the post by stating,
For the sake of his family, please remove.
Vitaline LaPage
Brandi Perry, a graduate of Franklin Academy, wrote,
Anyone who thinks this is okay, is just as sick! “Whole Story” or not. He did what he did. And is a sicko.
Brandi Perry
Tasha Provost, a graduate of Clinton Community College, wrote,
I did not think when I moved to FL I would see someone I know personally from upstate NY getting arrested just an hour from me……let alone for this and one of the COs the community trusted. Wow
Tasha Provost
His comments reflect the concern and anger felt by many locals who say they trusted Rowe in positions where he had access to children.
However, as of now, Rowe remains incarcerated, and his next court appearance has not yet been publicly announced.
The case is expected to draw continued attention not only in Sumter County but also in Weeki Wachee and surrounding areas.
In the meantime, advocates for child safety are urging parents to speak openly with their children, monitor their online activity, and remain aware of who has access to them in extracurricular settings.
