75-year-old charged on more than 30 counts
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has arrested James Howard Mathews, 75, of Milton, on 30 counts for possession of child sexual abuse material, and one count each for promoting the sexual performance of a child and use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony. The Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations assisted in the case.
The investigation began in September by the FDLE Pensacola Cyber Crime Squad when agents identified an internet user offering to share files known to depict children being sexually abused. Through the investigative process, Mathews’ residence was identified as the origin of the shared files.
FDLE agents today conducted a search of Mathews’ home, during which a computer was located. A preliminary forensic review of the computer’s content located more than 500 digital files depicting the sexual abuse of children, some as young as infants.
Mathews was booked into Santa Rosa County Jail and is being held without bond pending first appearance. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, First Judicial Circuit.
Please visit the FDLE website to review tips for keeping your children safe online at https://secureflorida.org/Family-Safety/BPParents.htm.
