A cyber tip routed to Columbia County investigators has landed a Lake City man behind bars, after detectives say they uncovered images and videos depicting child sexual abuse on his electronic devices.
The county's criminal investigations unit, working with national partners, used the tip to secure search warrants and conduct forensic reviews of multiple devices. The probe led to an arrest on Tuesday, and the suspect was booked into the Columbia County Detention Facility, where he remains while detectives continue to work the case.
According to the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, investigators recovered more than 15 still images and videos tied to the case and identified a suspect from the material and electronic records. The post names the arrestee as Robert Kyle Tanner (born Dec. 17, 1982) and states he was taken into custody Tuesday and booked into the Columbia County Detention Facility.
Tanner is being held on $100,000 bond. The sheriff's office says he faces charges that include unlawful use of a two‑way communications device to commit a felony (F.S. 934.215) and possession, control or viewing of child sexual abuse material under Florida law.
Charges and what they mean
Under Florida law, the unlawful use of a two‑way communications device to facilitate a felony is codified at F.S. 934.215, according to the Florida Legislature. Offenses related to sexual performance by a child and generated child pornography are addressed in Chapter 827 of state law, as outlined by the Florida Legislature.
Prosecutors are permitted to file a separate count for each individual image or file recovered in a case, a provision that can significantly increase potential exposure in multi‑file prosecutions. The statutory language and sentencing frameworks are available on the state legislature's website.
Investigation and local context
Sheriff's detectives say the initial lead came through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's CyberTipline, which collects reports from tech companies and the public and routes them to appropriate law enforcement agencies. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children outlines how those tips are evaluated, prioritized and sent to local investigators.
The arrest is the latest in a series of child sexual abuse material investigations in the area this year. For instance, a similar February arrest also involved local detectives and digital forensics work.
What happens next
The case remains active, and detectives say they are still reviewing evidence. Authorities have not released any information about potential victims. Anyone with tips or additional information is asked to contact the Columbia County Sheriff's Office through its website or social media channels.
As investigators complete their work, prosecutors will review the findings and decide which charges, if any, to formally file in court.
