FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 16, 2026

PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Hershel Keith Cranford, 44, a convicted felon of Pensacola, on 20 counts of possession of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), and one count each of promotion of CSAM, using a two-way communication device to commit a felony, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, and dealing in stolen property. The arrest is part of FDLE’s statewide initiative to identify and apprehend offenders who target children and share files depicting child sexual abuse.

FDLE’s investigation began in May 2026 when agents identified a device that was using a peer-to-peer file-sharing platform to share files depicting the sexual abuse of children. Investigators linked the device to an IP address in Pensacola and identified the user as Cranford.

On June 15, FDLE agents, with the assistance of the Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Division and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a search warrant at Cranford’s residence. The search warrant resulted in the seizure of an electronic device, methamphetamine, a Schedule I controlled substance, and multiple stolen firearms. 

Cranford was arrested and transported to the Escambia County Jail.

The State Attorney’s Office of the First Judicial Court is prosecuting the case.

The investigation remains active.

For Further Information Contact:

FDLE Office of Public Information

Info@fdle.state.fl.us