Attorney General James Uthmeier announces arrest of Pasco County man on multiple child sexual abuse material charges following a months-long undercover digital investigation by Florida authorities

Tallahassee, Florida – Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of a Pasco County man accused of possessing and promoting child sexual abuse material, following a months-long undercover investigation led by state law enforcement.

Officials said 36-year-old Joseph Dearborn of New Port Richey was taken into custody and charged with 15 counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials and one count of Promotion of a Sexual Performance by a Child. The arrest follows what authorities described as a targeted digital investigation aimed at identifying individuals sharing illegal content online.

Attorney General Uthmeier emphasized a firm stance on child protection while announcing the case.

“If it has not already been made abundantly clear, Florida is the wrong place to be a predator,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “I will stop at nothing to protect our kids. I am grateful for the prosecutors and law enforcement officers who got this criminal off the streets.”

According to investigators, the case began on January 16, 2026, when Dearborn’s IP address was flagged during an undercover operation conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The operation focused on users of peer-to-peer networks, specifically those utilizing eDonkey software, which authorities said is often used to distribute illegal material.

FDLE officials said the digital trace led them to identify suspicious online activity tied to CSAM distribution. From there, investigators built a case that ultimately resulted in a search warrant for Dearborn’s residence.

On May 13, 2026, FDLE agents executed the warrant at the New Port Richey home. During the search, law enforcement seized multiple electronic devices, including a desktop computer. Dearborn was arrested at the scene without incident, officials confirmed.

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A forensic review of the seized computer later revealed more than 1,000 files containing child sexual abuse material, according to investigators. Authorities said the volume of illegal content recovered underscored the seriousness of the allegations.

Law enforcement leaders said the arrest was the result of coordinated efforts between cybercrime investigators, forensic analysts, and prosecutors working to identify and remove individuals involved in the exploitation of children.

Officials added that cases involving online child exploitation continue to be a major focus for state agencies, particularly as digital platforms evolve and criminals attempt to conceal activity through peer-to-peer systems and encrypted networks.

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Dearborn now faces significant prison time if convicted on all charges. Prosecutors said he could receive up to 90 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.

The case will be prosecuted by Special Counsel Rita Peters in Florida’s Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, where court proceedings are expected to move forward in the coming weeks.

Authorities stressed that the investigation remains part of a broader effort to track and dismantle networks involved in the creation, possession, and distribution of illegal material involving minors.