For Immediate Release
October 28, 2022
 
TAMPA, Fla. – FDLE agents arrested Samuel Pimentel, 48, of Tampa, yesterday on 20 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material. Due to the number of child sexual abuse material files found, each count is upgraded to a second-degree felony per F.S. 775.0847.

The investigation began when agents identified a computer that was making child sexual abuse material publicly available for download via a peer-to-peer network. Agents found more than 1,300 unique files depicting child sexual abuse being distributed from the computer.
 
Agents traced the IP address to Pimentel’s residence and secured a search warrant. With the assistance of FDLE Orlando, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, FDLE Tampa agents executed the search warrant on the residence yesterday, seizing multiple computers, mobile phones and electronic storage devices belonging to Pimentel. On-scene forensic previews of these devices revealed at least 20 media files depicting child sexual abuse material. Additional charges may follow pending further forensic analysis.

Pimentel was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail on a $150,000 bond. 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://www.secureflorida.org/Family-Safety/BPParents.

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