For Immediate Release
June 21, 2018
BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. – Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement today arrested John Charles Hicks, 51, of 24509 Dolphin Street, Bonita Springs, Florida for 26 counts of possession of child pornography, along with promoting the sexual performance by a child, and unlawful use of a two-way communications device.
The investigation began in April of this year after agents conducted an undercover operation identifying suspects who were using the internet to send and receive videos and images of child pornography.
On May 25, 2018, FDLE special agents, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the FDLE Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Hicks’ home. Agents seized numerous computer related media devices from the residence. Through investigative efforts and forensic examinations of the devices, agents believe Hicks downloaded hundreds of images of suspected child pornography.
Hicks was arrested by agents this morning in Naples, Florida and transported to the Lee County Jail. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit.
Please visit the Secure Florida website to review tips for keeping your children safe online at:
http://secureflorida.org/staying_safe/best_practices_for_parents/.
For Further Information Contact:
Gretl Plessinger, Jessica Cary, or Jeremy Burns
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001