16-year-old in Valrico arrested after detectives find dark web child sexual abuse material on devices during a search warrant, sheriff says.
A 16-year-old teen from Valrico was arrested on February 17, 2026 after law enforcement discovered child sexual abuse material and related content on his electronic devices linked to dark web activity, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives served a search warrant at a home on Spring Circle Way in Valrico after receiving information that child pornography had been downloaded from the dark web to devices associated with the residence. During the search, investigators located a laptop and cellphone belonging to the teen that contained files depicting child sexual abuse material, bestiality content, and software associated with dark web use.
The adolescent was taken into custody and charged with multiple offenses, including solicitation or possession of child pornography, distribution or possession of sexually explicit material involving animals, and unlawful use of a two-way communications device.
Sheriff Chad Chronister emphasised that such offences are serious crimes, not youthful mistakes, and thanked detectives for their thorough work in investigating and holding individuals accountable for engaging in criminal behaviour involving minors.
Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate digital crimes involving child exploitation and urge anyone with information about similar activity to report it through official channels.
Reports are sourced from official documents, law-enforcement updates, and credible investigations.
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