In a recent report by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, 21-year-old Corbin Hunkele, a new detention cadet, was taken into custody facing various child pornography charges. The arrest followed an alert from the National Center for Missing & Expiled Children (NCMEC) on July 4, which indicated illegal activity was traced to a Hillsborough County location.
Joining the Sheriff's Training Academy as early as April, Hunkele became ensnared in the investigation that utilized significant investigative resources to identify him as a person of interest. Detectives subsequently discovered substantial evidence correlary to both the possession and distribution of child pornography, leading directly to Hunkele's arrest. Upon confirmation of the suspect's identity, swift action was taken to confront these heinous violations.
"It is alarming and disappointing that an individual seemingly aspiring to serve and protect our community would engage in such despicable activities," Sheriff Chronister announced, as detailed in a statement released by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. He commended the detectives for their commitment to maintaining the community's trust by enforcing the law impartially and ensuring accountability, irrespective of one's slated role in law enforcement.
Hunkele now faces multiple charges including ten counts of film, distribute, or possess image or video of sexual activity with an animal, four counts of possession of child pornography, and two counts of in-state transmission of child pornography by electronic device. Additionally, unlawful use of a two-way communication device is among the tallied offenses. Considering the investigation is still active, the Public Affairs Office has committed to providing updates as the case evolves. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
