Arrests were conducted 4 miles from each other
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Michael Robert Ambrosio, 49, of New Port Richey, and Robert Allen Cale, 35, of Port Richey, on charges of possession of child sexual abuse material and promoting the sexual performance of a child.
The investigations began when FDLE Tampa Bay and Brooksville Field Office agents identified hundreds of electronic files containing the sexual abuse of children being downloaded via the internet. Two IP addresses were identified with downloads totaling more than 400 files of child sexual abuse materials. Through further investigative and legal processes, the IP addresses were identified and linked to the addresses of Ambrosio and Cale, who live within 4 miles of one another.
On January 17, FDLE agents conducted separate searches of the men’s homes and seized multiple electronic devices for forensic analysis. Preliminary on-site previews were conducted, and agents located files containing the sexual abuse of children and infants.
Ambrosio was arrested on 15 counts for possession of child sexual abuse material, and one count for promoting the sexual performance of a child. Cale was arrested on 16 counts for possession of child sexual abuse material, and one count for promoting the sexual performance of a child.
FDLE Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell says, “Our agents went above and beyond to remove two offenders from the same community. We will continue to conduct thorough and swift investigations to protect the region, and most importantly, its children, from harm.”
Ambrosio and Cale were booked into the Pasco County Jail yesterday on no bail pending first appearance. The cases will be prosecuted by Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.
Please visit the FDLE website to review tips for keeping your children safe online at https://secureflorida.org/Family-Safety/BPParents.htm.
