News


FDLE arrests Lehigh Acres man for possession of child sexual abuse material

 
For Immediate Release
December 4, 2024

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Martin Jay Benjamin, 71, of Lehigh Acres, Tuesday on ten counts of possession of child sexual abuse material. The arrest is the result of FDLE’s statewide initiative to locate and arrest criminals sharing files depicting the sexual abuse of children.

Agents initiated the investigation in November after discovering an online user offering to share child sexual exploitation files. The investigation identified Benjamin’s residential address as that of the online user.

On Dec. 3, agents and analysts conducted a residential search warrant and seized electronic devices.  A preliminary digital forensic analysis located multiple files depicting the sexual abuse of children.

Benjamin was arrested and transported to Lee County Jail. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit. The FDLE Fort Myers cybercrime unit is investigating the case.

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
Info@fdle.state.fl.us
 

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.