On January 24, 2024, Michael Ray Groves was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography. This led to a further investigation. Evidence was gathered, leading to Groves being arrested on May 1, 2024, for sexual battery and showing obscene material to a minor. Additional charges of sexual battery and attempted sexual battery were filed by the state attorney’s office. On May 2, 2024, a grand jury indicted Groves on all four counts.
The initial investigation began on November 18, 2023, when Hernando County Sheriff’s detectives received information about child pornography possession. Michael Ray Groves was identified as a suspect, and a search warrant was obtained for his online accounts. The search revealed 73 files of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). Groves admitted to owning the social media account and to possessing the files during an interview at his residence on January 24, 2024.
Michael Ray Groves, born on October 19, 1966, faces multiple charges including possession of child pornography, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and is being held without bond.
