A 32-year-old Polk County man now faces a lengthy stretch in federal prison after pleading guilty in Ocala to attempted production of child sexual abuse material. Bradly Dwayne Wimberly entered the plea Wednesday in federal court and remains in federal custody while he waits for sentencing.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida said Wimberly admitted he repeatedly tried to get what he believed was a 13- to 14-year-old to record and send sexually explicit photos and videos, according to U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida. Prosecutors noted the conviction comes with a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison.
Investigation timeline
Local reporting and court documents indicate the investigation began in February 2024 and ran through July 2025, with investigators alleging Wimberly repeatedly pressed the person he thought was a minor to produce and send sexually explicit images, according to Tampa Free Press. The outlet also reports Wimberly is being held without release as he awaits his sentencing hearing.
Undercover operation
According to federal prosecutors, the supposed teen on the other end of the online conversations was in fact an undercover special agent with Homeland Security Investigations. The case was investigated by HSI with assistance from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, according to U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida. The prosecution is being handled under the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative.
Legal consequences and local context
Launched in 2006, Project Safe Childhood coordinates federal, state and local efforts to go after people who exploit children online. Recent multi-agency undercover operations in the area have produced a string of arrests, including a high-profile case of a holiday performer nabbed in a child sex sting reported in Polk County 'Santa' busted, highlighting a noticeable uptick in enforcement.
Wimberly’s formal sentencing date has not yet been publicly set. Court filings and local reporting indicate he will remain in federal custody as the case moves toward that hearing, according to Tampa Free Press.
