VALRICO, FL — A 16-year-old Valrico boy faces multiple charges after being accused of downloading child pornography from the dark web, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
The teen was charged with two counts of solicitation or possession of child pornography, two counts of unlawful use of a two-way communications device, and two counts of film, distribute, or possess image or video of sexual activity with an animal.
Though the sheriff’s office has named the teen, it’s Patch policy not to name juveniles accused of a crime unless they’re charged as an adult. It’s unknown whether the boy was charged as a minor or an adult.
On Tuesday, detectives served a search warrant at a home on Spring Circle Way in Valrico after receiving reports that child pornography files had been downloaded from the dark web there.
During their search, detectives found a laptop and a cellphone belonging to the teen that contained child sexual abuse material, bestiality and software associated with the dark web investigation, the sheriff’s office said.
“These are not youthful mistakes, but serious crimes,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “Thank you to our detectives who act swiftly and lawfully to investigate these cases thoroughly and ensure that those who engage in this type of criminal behavior are held fully accountable.”
See Also: