A Clermont hospital employee is at the center of a sweeping state and federal investigation after authorities say he enticed minors online and may have had sexual contact with dozens of children, according to court filings and local reporting. The suspect, identified in court documents as Aaron Starbird, was arrested late last year and later released on bond while parallel investigations move forward.
What investigators say
According to a criminal complaint filed in the Middle District of Florida, an Orange County Sheriff’s Office undercover operative posed as a 15-year-old on the hookup app Sniffies in September 2025 and began exchanging sexually explicit messages with a user calling himself "astarbird." Investigators say they ultimately traced the online activity to Starbird and, during a traffic stop along SR-408 in November 2025, seized a phone that they contend held the chats and related files. The affidavit describes an online trail that authorities say led to multiple contacts now under review.
Charges and court calendar
Prosecutors in state court filed a stack of charges in February, including ten counts of unlawful possession of materials depicting sexual performance by a child (10 or more images), two counts of transmitting obscene material harmful to minors, and one count of solicitation of a minor via a computer, according to reporting. Starbird was arrested Dec. 2, 2025, by Orange County deputies, has been released on bond, and is currently set for a pretrial conference on June 9, 2026, according to ClickOrlando.
Evidence and victims
Forensic analysis of the seized device reportedly turned up roughly 100 files and dozens of videos that investigators say depict infants and toddlers, as detailed in the court filing. The affidavit states that one identified victim told investigators he met Starbird in person after initially communicating online, and that an FBI agent uncovered evidence suggesting at least 30 other children may have engaged in sexual acts with Starbird after online contact. The complaint further alleges that Starbird tried to recruit a victim’s younger brothers and notes that it has always been a fantasy of his to be with his brothers.
Hospital ties and access concerns
Court documents identify Starbird as an employee at Orlando Health South Lake Hospital in Clermont and note that he previously worked at Orlando Regional Medical Center, details that investigators say prompted concerns about any potential unauthorized access to children. Those employment details and the local arrest were reported by ClickOrlando, and South Lake Hospital's website shows the facility as part of the Orlando Health network. The criminal affidavit notes that investigators are still working to identify additional victims and that the probe remains active.
Investigation status and next steps
Investigators told the court they brought the FBI into the case in mid-February and said both the forensic review and victim interviews are ongoing. Starbird currently faces state charges as well as a federal criminal complaint alleging coercion and enticement under 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b), and prosecutors are working to determine the scope of the alleged victimization. The state pretrial conference is still scheduled for June 9 while related federal proceedings continue in the Middle District of Florida.
How to report concerns
Anyone with information about this investigation or similar online contact between adults and minors is urged to contact local law enforcement or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Tips can be submitted through NCMEC’s CyberTipline or by calling 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
