A social media tip and some behind-the-scenes digital sleuthing brought deputies to a home on 9th Street Northeast in Ruskin yesterday, where a child-exploitation probe quickly escalated into a physical struggle and three arrests, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Detectives with the Internet Predator Unit say they traced suspected child‑exploitation material to an online account, secured a search warrant, and left the house with multiple devices and what they describe as explicit digital evidence. The investigation is still active.
Evidence found on seized devices
Among the seized electronics was a device belonging to 22‑year‑old Misael Clavel. Detectives say a forensic preview turned up roughly 100 images or videos of child sexual abuse, along with two files that allegedly depict sexual activity with an animal. Clavel was arrested on about 100 counts of possession of child pornography, two counts related to bestiality material, and one count of unlawful use of a communications device, according to the sheriff’s office and reporting by the Tampa Free Press.
Unit’s digital forensics lead to home raids
Investigators say the Internet Predator Unit followed the digital trail from social media activity back to the Ruskin residence, then obtained a warrant and seized phones, computers, and other electronics for a full lab workup. The sheriff’s office has leaned on the same digital‑forensics playbook in several recent operations, hauling away large amounts of hardware for analysts to comb through, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office press release about a similar 100‑count case. Local coverage has also tracked the Internet Predator Unit’s broader sting activity and enforcement efforts this spring.
Arrests after deputies say physical altercation
Detectives say the scene turned volatile when they moved to secure a second phone inside the home. According to law‑enforcement accounts, 26‑year‑old Abelino Clavel‑Olguin refused to provide a passcode, tried to delete potential evidence, and then allegedly struck a detective while fighting arrest. A 51‑year‑old resident, Maria Olguin‑Chavez, was also taken into custody after deputies say she physically resisted them. Both face charges that include resisting an officer with violence and battery on law enforcement, and the sheriff’s office has emphasized that attempts to hide or destroy digital evidence can and will lead to added charges, per the Tampa Free Press.
Legal implications
Florida law treats each image or video of child sexual abuse as a separate offense, which means case totals can climb quickly. Possessing 10 or more such files can trigger enhanced penalties and an upgrade in the severity of the charges. Statutes covering sexual performance by a child and related crimes, including sexual bestiality and separate offenses for promoting or possessing child pornography, are laid out in Florida Statutes. Prosecutors will decide which specific counts to pursue after forensic examiners finish reviewing all of the seized material.
What’s next
For now, investigators say the confiscated devices are headed through the standard digital‑forensics pipeline while prosecutors weigh potential charges and supporting evidence. The sheriff’s office often follows this same step‑by‑step approach in high‑profile digital‑evidence cases and typically reminds the public that investigations remain active until lab work and case reviews are complete. Officials say anyone with additional information about this incident should contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office through its non‑emergency line or public‑affairs office.
