Baldwin County, Ala. — (GSN) — The Baldwin County Sheriff's Office has arrested 27-year-old Douglas Smith of Foley following an extensive investigation into Internet Crimes Against Children. Officials reported that the case led to one of the largest digital evidence seizures in the history of the agency.

The investigation launched on August 13, 2026, after an electronic service provider detected illegal material on its platform. The provider notified the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which subsequently issued cyber tips pointing to Smith. Investigators obtained and executed search warrants for Smith's residence in Foley and his vehicle in Robertsdale, seizing multiple terabytes of illegal data.

During a post-search interview with investigators, Smith admitted to accumulating and possessing the large cache of illegal files over several years.

Sheriff's office officials emphasized that the massive volume of recovered material highlights the persistent dangers children encounter online. In an official statement, the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office reaffirmed its dedication to youth safety: "The Baldwin County Sheriff's Office and its law enforcement partners are committed to continuing their efforts to identify and apprehend individuals who engage in illegal online activities and to ensure the safety and well-being of all children."