A Spring Hill man is facing multiple charges after tipsters led deputies from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) to investigate claims that he was allegedly engaged in the possession and sale of pornographic materials involving children.
HCSO Public Relations Manager Denise Moloney said that the investigation into the case began in February when tipsters told detectives that someone was distributing pornographic materials involving children from a residence in Spring Hill.
The subsequent investigation revealed that the activity was taking place at 4276 Gold Coast Ave. in Spring Hill.
Acting on a warrant, investigators searched that property on Dec. 1 and talked with resident Greg Housman, who told them that he was unaware of having child sexual abuse-related materials on any of his devices.
During a search of the residence’s bedroom, detectives found two child-sized sex dolls that Houseman said he used for his own sexual gratification.
Detectives arrested Houseman, 51, and charged him with two counts of possession of child pornography and two counts of possessing a child-like sex doll.
Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis said that the incident demonstrates the need to prevent child pornographers from victimizing youngsters.
“It is very concerning that these depraved individuals might eventually, if they have not already done so, hurt an innocent child,” Nienhuis said. “Although disgusting, extremely infuriating, and hard to deal with, it is important to hold these warped criminals accountable.”
Houseman is being held on bond at the Hernando County Detention Center.
Moloney said that the case remains under investigation and that additional charges may be forthcoming. Anyone with information about the case should call Hernando County Crime Stoppers at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477) or text **TIPS from a cell phone. All Crime Stoppers tipsters remain anonymous.
