News


FDLE arrests 2 Pasco County men for possession of child sexual abuse material

 
For Immediate Release
January 18, 2024
 
NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. –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.
 
For Further Information Contact:
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001

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FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.