Man Arrested for 12 Counts of Child Porn

A 55-year-old man from Floral City was arrested in December for possessing child porn images. He was arrested by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) after a lengthy investigation by the sheriff’s office’s High Tech Crimes Unit as well as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

The sheriff’s office had received a report from NCMEC showing that various child porn images were associated with a residence in Citrus County. The office was able to use cutting-edge investigative methods to confirm that the man was in possession of multiple child porn images and videos.

Multiple members of the CCSO Criminal Investigations Division served a search warrant on the man’s residence. They seized multiple electronic devices, including digital storage devices. So far, the man is facing 12 counts of child porn possession. Investigators are still reviewing all the devices that were seized during the search to determine if more criminal charges will be filed.

The man was arrested and is currently being held at the Citrus County Detention Facility. His bond has been set at $180,000.

What to Know About Child Porn Possession

Possession of child pornography is often charged as a federal crime. committed when a person knowingly possesses images or videos of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Sexually explicit conduct is defined as graphic sexual intercourse or lascivious simulated sexual intercourse that exposes the genitals, breast, or pubic area. Simulated bestiality, masturbation, or sadistic or masochistic abuse involving a minor is also considered child porn.

The penalties for child porn possession can vary. The maximum penalties are determined by the age of the victim. The penalties will depend on whether the defendant is charged with possession of child pornography involving a minor age 12 or older or possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor.

The minimum penalties for child pornography possession depend on the following aggravating factors:

• The age of the children involved
• The nature of the images possessed (whether they involved sadistic, masochistic, or violent acts)
• The number of images in their possession
• Whether there was distribution involved
• Whether the defendant previously engaged in activity involving sexual abuse of a minor

Contact a Legal Professional for Help

Child porn crimes are taken seriously in Florida. A person can face many years in prison and have their bonds set at high amounts.

A Florida child pornography lawyer from the Law Offices of Gilbert A. Schaffnit can help defend your case. Don’t delay – give us a call today to schedule a consultation. Call (352) 505-1799 or fill out the online form.

Source:

chronicleonline.com/news/local/floral-city-man-arrested-on-child-pornography-possession/article_130a6f3c-86ed-506d-800f-308bbad9e131.html