A Spring Hill man is facing multiple charges for using the internet to distribute material depicting the sexual abuse of children.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Juan Miguel Garcia Perez, 35, was arrested after the agency received several tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that someone was using the internet to distribute files containing child sexual abuse material via social-networking/chat platforms.
On Nov. 3, FDLE agents along with personnel from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) acted on a warrant to search Garcia Perez’s Spring Hill residence. At the scene, investigators found videos depicting children as young as 3-years-old being sexually abused.
FDLE agents subsequently arrested Garcia Perez and charged him with eight counts of transmission of child sexual abuse material.
Further charges are pending the forensic analysis of electronic devices seized from Garcia Perez’s residence.
Garcia Perez was booked into the Hernando County Detention Center on $80,000 bond.
The case remains pending.
The FDLE advises parents that they can protect their children from online predators by being aware of their online activities, monitoring their cell phone use, and establishing rules for internet use.
For more family internet safety tips visit https://www.secureflorida.org/SF/Family-Safety/BPParents
