FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 11, 2026

DADE CITY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Samuel Strouth, 31, of Dade City, on 14 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and one count of possession of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) with the intent to promote. This arrest is the result of FDLE’s statewide initiative to locate and arrest criminals targeting children and sharing files depicting the sexual abuse of children. 

The investigation began in March when agents conducted an undercover internet investigation to identify users who were sharing CSAM on a peer-to-peer file-sharing network. The investigation revealed a user who was downloading files depicting the sexual abuse of children, and the IP address was traced to Strouth’s residence. 

On Sept. 3, FDLE Brooksville Field Office and Special Operations Team agents, with the assistance of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a search warrant at Strouth’s residence and seized numerous electronic devices for digital forensic analysis. The preliminary review revealed several hundred files depicting CSAM.

 FDLE agents arrested Strouth and transported him to the Hernando County Jail.

The case is being prosecuted by Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.

The investigation remains active.

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