Deputies said they found firearms, ammunition and electronic devices with child sexual abuse material on them in a search of the 14-year-old’s home.
WIMAUMA, Fla. — An investigation into a 14-year-old boy planning to conduct a mass shooting revealed his connection to a separate child pornography investigation, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said they received a tip that the teenager had access to weapons and was planning a mass shooting at a church near his Wimauma home.
Through investigative means, detectives discovered the 14-year-old was possibly connected to an active HCSO child pornography investigation.
After conducting a search warrant at his home, officials reported finding multiple firearms, ammunition and electronic devices with child sexual abuse material on them.
The teenager is charged with:
Written or electronic threat to conduct a mass shooting or act of terrorismIn-state transmission of child pornography by electronic device14 counts of solicitation or possession of child pornography, 10 or more images and content of imagesTwo counts of unlawful use of a two-way communications device
“The age of the individual involved does not lessen the seriousness of these crimes,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “Threats of mass violence and the exploitation of children demand immediate action, and we will always move swiftly to protect lives and hold those responsible accountable.”
The investigation into this incident is ongoing.
10 Tampa Bay News is not identifying the teenager due to his age.