A Tampa man was taken into custody after detectives said they uncovered more than 100 files of child sexual abuse material during a search at a neighborhood home, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators with HCSO’s Internet Predator Unit served a search warrant at a residence on Southern Bayou Place and arrested 26-year-old Andrew Reyes. Deputies say Reyes resisted as they tried to detain him, and he was booked on multiple felony counts tied to the digital evidence.
According to WFLA, detectives found more than 100 files of child sexual abuse material during the search and charged Reyes with 100 counts of solicitation or possession of child pornography. The outlet reports he also faces two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer and a charge of resisting an officer with violence after deputies say he grabbed detectives’ hands, legs and upper bodies while they tried to restrain him.
How the Search Unfolded
In a statement from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, investigators said the search warrant capped an ongoing probe into suspected online possession and distribution of illegal material. Forensic work on seized electronic devices produced the files referenced in the arrest affidavit, officials said. According to HCSO, the Internet Predator Unit has carried out several similar operations in recent months, following digital leads to identify suspects and obtain warrants at local homes.
HCSO Response and Local Pattern
“Crimes that exploit children and involve the abuse of animals are deeply disturbing and will never be tolerated in our community,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a recent HCSO release. Local reporting and agency statements indicate the unit frequently discovers large caches of illicit files during forensic reviews, which can turn into dozens or even hundreds of felony counts as each image and video is evaluated for use in court.
Legal Note
Under Florida law, possession of child pornography is a felony offense, and each image or video can be charged as a separate crime. Possessing 10 or more images can trigger reclassification that increases potential penalties, according to the Florida Senate. Those reclassification rules mean a defendant with a large number of counts may face enhanced punishment if prosecutors prove the statutory requirements are satisfied.
Reyes remains in custody while the investigation continues, and the sheriff’s public affairs office has said it will provide updates as the case moves through the courts.
