Two Davenport roommates are now in custody after a cybercrimes sting brought to light their alleged involvement in the possession and distribution of child pornography, as well as revolting acts of animal cruelty. The Polk County Sheriff's Office Cyber Crimes Unit concluded its in-depth probe when it arrested 25-year-old Jefferey Johnston and 24-year-old Ryan Braley, residents of Castlemain Circle.
The investigation began with a cybertip reporting multiple files uploaded from a Davenport address. Detectives obtained a warrant for a Google account linked to Johnston and found more than 300 files involving child sexual abuse material, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Investigators also reported finding a video involving animal sexual abuse, which they said identified Braley as the suspect.
On Tuesday, detectives interviewed residents at the home, where Johnston admitted owning the Google account and possessing child sexual abuse material, authorities said. Investigators said Johnston told them Braley sent him a video involving animal sexual abuse that was recorded inside the home. The dog, which belonged to someone else in the residence, was later examined by a veterinarian.
Johnston faces 151 felony counts tied to possession of child sexual abuse material, along with a felony charge related to an animal sexual-abuse video, authorities said. Braley is charged with animal cruelty and multiple felony counts involving sexual contact with an animal and recording it. Sheriff Grady Judd addressed the arrests in a statement posted by the Sheriff’s Office.
