A months-long cyber investigation has ended with the arrest of a 77-year-old St. Petersburg man after state agents traced a flagged internet address back to his home, authorities say. Gregory Arendt is facing four counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and 15 counts related to pornographic imagery depicting sexual contact with animals.
According to a press release from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the case started in October 2025, when agents spotted an IP address that was allegedly used to download a torrent file containing child sexual abuse material. Investigators say they ultimately linked that IP address to Arendt’s residence, secured a search warrant, and on December 19, 2025, searched the home and seized multiple electronic devices for forensic review. FDLE reported that a subsequent digital analysis of the hardware turned up numerous files that agents say showed child sexual abuse and bestiality.
Forensic specialists who combed through the seized devices reported uncovering numerous illegal files, according to Tampa Free Press. FDLE agents, assisted by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Arendt on Tuesday, March 3, and booked him into the Pinellas County Jail. Tampa Free Press reports that the case has been handed to the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.
Charges and prosecution
The 19 charges in total include four counts of possession of child sexual abuse materials and 15 counts tied to pornographic imagery involving animals. FDLE said the matter has been referred to the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution. Officials added that the investigation remains active and have not released additional information about any alleged victims or upcoming court dates.
How investigators trace downloads
Cases involving online child sexual abuse material often begin with automated detection tools or tips sent through the CyberTipline operated by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. From there, investigators typically follow a trail of IP-address data and peer-to-peer network activity to identify where suspicious downloads may have originated. Guidance for prosecutors notes that internet address assignments can shift quickly, so moving fast to seize devices and conduct forensic examinations is critical to preserving digital evidence and tying files to specific users, as outlined by the Texas District & County Attorneys Association.
Formal charging documents and hearing dates were not included in the FDLE release, and any future filings are expected to appear in public court records in Pinellas County if prosecutors proceed. Authorities say the probe is still ongoing and have not disclosed further information about potential victims.
