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FDLE arrests registered sex offender on child sexual abuse material charges

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Registrant also failed to register online information

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Joseph Hodgkins, 41, of Altamonte Springs, on 11 felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), two counts of transmitting harmful material to a minor and one count of violating sexual offender registration requirements for failing to register an internet identifier.

The investigation began in January when FDLE agents received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The tip referenced an internet user uploading child sexual abuse material to a social media platform. Through investigative and legal processes, agents identified Hodgkins as a registered sex offender and the social media account owner, which he did not report, as required by Florida Statutes.

The investigation also revealed that Hodgkins had captured electronic communications with minors. His communications included sending minors digital adult pornographic files and downloading images depicting children engaged in sexual activity.

The investigation was conducted by the FDLE Orlando Cybercrimes Task Force.

Hodgkins is listed on Florida’s Sex Offender Registry for his 2015 FDLE arrest and subsequent conviction for possession of child sexual abuse material, use of a computer to solicit or lure a child to engage in sexual conduct and sending harmful information to minors.

Hodgkins was arrested at his residence on Feb. 21 and booked into the Seminole County Jail without bond pending first appearance. The case 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.