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FDLE arrests Melbourne man for possession of child sexual abuse material

 
MELBOURNE, Fla. – FDLE agents arrested Andrew James Depierro, 41, of Melbourne, on 10 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material in violation of Florida Statute 827.071(5).

The investigation began when agents discovered an IP address being utilized to offer child sexual abuse material on a peer-to-peer network. Agents traced the IP address to Depierro’s residence.

FDLE agents executed a search warrant at Depierro’s residence with assistance from the Melbourne Police Department. Investigators found images depicting children as young as 11 years old being sexually abused on a device belonging to Depierro. Because of the number of images and videos, each count is upgraded to a second-degree felony.

Depierro was booked into the Brevard County Jail pending first appearance. Additional charges are dependent upon completion of forensics exams. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 18th Judicial Circuit.

Please visit the FDLE website to review tips for keeping your children safe online at: https://www.secureflorida.org/SF/Family-Safety/BPParents.

For Further Information Contact:
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Priorities

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.