Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Mark Glass, Commissioner
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Mark Glass, Commissioner
FDLE arrests St. Petersburg man for possession of child sexual abuse materials and related charges
For Immediate Release
March 11, 2026
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Gregory Arendt, 77, of St. Petersburg, on 4 counts of possession of child sexual abuse materials and 15 counts of possession of pornographic imagery of sexual contact with an animal.
FDLE’s investigation began in October 2025, when agents identified an IP address downloading a torrent file containing child sexual abuse material. Investigators connected the IP address to Arendt’s residence in St. Petersburg.
On December 19, 2025, agents conducted a search warrant at Arendt’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices. Further digital forensic analysis resulted in the identification of numerous files containing images that depicted child sexual abuse and bestiality.
On March 3, FDLE arrested Arendt and transported him to Pinellas County Jail with the assistance of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. The Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution is prosecuting the case.
The investigation remains active.
For Further Information Contact:
FDLE Office of Public Information
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.
