A St. Cloud man has been arrested on charges related to sexual contact with animals, sparked by an online tip received by law enforcement. According to a report by WFTV, Frank Mitchell, 41, was apprehended by detectives from the St. Cloud Police Department and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at his residence on Friday.
The investigation into Mitchell began on September 12 after a CyberTip was submitted about illegal content being uploaded to a social media platform. A comprehensive digital analysis led to Mitchell's identification and eventual arrest. Detectives executed multiple search warrants that unearthed images and videos depicting sexual acts with animals. As WESH reported, the animals in the disturbing visuals included Mitchell's own dogs.
"These charges are truly disturbing," stated St. Cloud Police Chief Douglas Goerke. "Our department is committed to protecting all members of our community, including vulnerable populations and animals, and holding offenders accountable to the fullest extent of the law," Chief Goerke stated, as detailed by WESH. The charges against Mitchell include one count of animal cruelty/sexual contact, nine counts of animal cruelty related to the possession of obscene content, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
Mitchell is currently held on a $17,000 bond at the Osceola County Jail, as law enforcement continues the investigation, which may lead to additional charges. Following his arrest, two dogs were removed from his residence and are now being cared for by the Osceola County Animal Service.
