A 22-year-old Fort White man is facing felony charges after detectives say child sexual abuse material was found on multiple electronic devices seized during an ongoing investigation. Columbia County deputies say the case started with a national tip about suspected material, and that forensic checks of the devices turned up images and videos they say were enough to secure an arrest warrant. Investigators say the probe is still active and could lead to additional counts.
How Investigators Say the Case Began
According to the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, detectives with the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force opened the investigation on Jan. 27 after a referral through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline identified a suspect. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reviews tips from providers and the public and routes leads to appropriate local agencies. Deputies say the initial referral was followed by multiple search warrants and forensic examinations of electronic devices.
Files Recovered and the Arrest
Detectives say forensic analysis turned up four images and videos of child sexual abuse material on the seized devices, which led to an arrest warrant for 22-year-old Caleb Reyes-Sainz. He was taken into custody and booked into the Columbia County Detention Facility on March 10, according to local reporting. The arrest and case details were summarized by Action News Jax.
Charges and What They Mean
Columbia County deputies say Reyes-Sainz faces counts of using a two-way communications device to facilitate a felony and of possessing or viewing child sexual abuse material, both charged as third-degree felonies under Florida law. Those prohibitions are set out in Fla. Stat. 934.215 and Fla. Stat. 827.071, and the law treats possession or intentional viewing of each image or file as a separate offense. Convictions on those counts can bring prison time and fines, and prosecutors can pursue additional counts if the investigation uncovers more evidence.
Who Handles These Cases
Digital exploitation cases in this part of Florida are commonly handled by the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which the Gainesville Police Department hosts and coordinates across counties. The task force supplies forensic and investigative support to local agencies and often works with state and federal partners on more complex cases. Prosecutors will review the evidence gathered so far and decide whether to file formal charges beyond the counts already announced.
What Authorities Want From the Public
In a Facebook post, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office urged parents and caregivers to monitor children’s device and social media use and to report any suspicious contacts or content, saying community tips are key to building cases. The post notes that the investigation is still underway and asks anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office. Tips can also be reported through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
