Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Justin Dwayne Cross, 25, of 11316 Eagle Hill Drive, Riverview, on 20 counts of possession of child pornography and two counts of transmission of child pornography.
Cross worked at Child Care of Brandon, 730 Brandon Town Center Dr., Brandon, and previously at La Petite Academy, at 10025 Christina Dr., Riverview. Because of Cross’ interaction with children, anyone with additional information is asked to call FDLE at 813-878-7300.
The investigation began after agents received tips that Cross was distributing images depicting child pornography. The investigation further showed that between September 2016 and January 2017, Cross shared images of child pornography in chat rooms and through different websites.
The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, a national network of coordinated task forces, Homeland Security Investigations and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office joined FDLE in the investigation and provided resources.
Cross was transported to the Hillsborough County jail for booking. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of Statewide Prosecution.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Sterling Ivey appointed FDLE public information officer
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen is pleased to announce the appointment of Sterling Ivey to the position of communications coordinator in FDLE’s Office of External Affairs. In this role, Mr. Ivey will serve as a FDLE spokesperson and will be responsible for coordinating news releases, interviews, press conferences and internal communications.
Mr. Ivey has over 15 years of communications experience working in private and public sectors, most recently serving as the VP of corporate communications for SunTrust Banks. He has been a press secretary for the Florida Department of Agriculture and the Florida Governor’s Office and served as a communications director for the Florida Department of State and Florida Department of Corrections.
He holds a B.A. degree in Communications from University of South Florida.
He joins FDLE PIOs Gretl Plessinger, Jessica Cary and Angela Starke and may be reached at 850-410-7001 or email him at [email protected]
