A Spring Hill man is facing multiple charges after being arrested for allegedly possessing child pornographic materials and promoting the sexual performance of a child.
According to Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Public Information Officer (PIO) Jessica Cary, in March the FDLE began an undercover investigation to identify whoever was using the Internet to traffic and distribute images of child pornography online.
The IP address belonging to Michael Friedt, 61, of Spring Hill was later identified as possessing and sharing numerous files containing child sexual abuse material.
Acting on a warrant, personnel from FDLE and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) searched Friedt’s residence on April 14 and discovered more than 100 files of child sexual abuse material on his electronic devices, Cary said.
He was subsequently arrested and charged with 15 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and one count of promoting the sexual performance of a child.
Friedt was booked into the Pasco County Jail on $85,000 bond.
Additional charges may follow the completion of forensics examination, Cary said.
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will prosecute the case, she said.
