HERNANDO COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Hernando County detectives arrested a man after they say they found him with multiple files of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) says they received a tip that Carl Eugene Hatfield possibly was in possession of CSAM.
HCSO detectives obtained a search warrant to go through a social media account belonging to Hatfield. After going through the account, detectives say they discovered 64 files of CSAM.
On Monday, the sheriff’s office says they went to Hatfield’s home in Brooksville to speak with him.
According to HCSO, Hatfield originally told detectives that his account had been hacked and added that he did not upload any of the CSAM. They say after detectives presented certain details to Hatfield, he then admitted that he uploaded the files.
They say he also shared with them that he uploaded the files for “research” and “evidentiary” reasons, and that he planned to report the illegal activity to the appropriate authorities.
Hatfield was arrested and charged with 64 counts of possession of child pornography, and the unlawful use of a two-way communication device. He is being held on no bond.
Detectives say they also took his cell phone and are obtaining a search warrant for it. They say he could be facing additional charges.
“Sheriff Al Nienhuis has a zero tolerance for possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material. Any and all tips are, and will be, meticulously investigated, no stone will be left unturned. Any person who possesses material of this nature will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said HCSO in a Facebook post.
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They are asking anyone with any information regarding the case to contact Hernando County Crime Stoppers at 1-866-990-8477. You can also submit a tip here. You will be anonymous, and you could be eligible for up to a $5,000 cash reward.