Foster Parent Arrested for Child Porn and Lewd and Lascivious Molestation in Pinellas Park

Pinellas Park Police have arrested 69 year-old Robert Metzner on 12 counts of Possession of Child Pornography and 1 count of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation.

Metzner resides in the 4000 block of 103rd Avenue N.

Pinellas Park Police investigators received information from an informant in the form of a USB drive that belonged to Robert Metzner which
contained possible child pornography.  Investigators obtained a warrant for the USB drive and discovered 160 images of child pornography.

The investigation continued once this evidence had been discovered and a search warrant was obtained for a search of Metzner’s home located in the Lakes subdivision. 

This morning investigators from Investigative Division served the search warrant at Metzner’s residence.  An extensive search of Metzner’s residence was conducted and several additional electronic devices were seized as evidence in the continuing investigation.  Investigators will be conducting electronic analysis of the seized devices looking for additional child pornography.

Also during the investigation investigators conducted additional follow up on an alleged Lewd and Lascivious Molestation that was reported in December of 2018.  At that time, an 8 year old male alleged that Metzner touched his genitals several times with a wash cloth while the 8 year old was in the bathtub. 

Today Metzner was interviewed about this allegation at which time he provided statements that corroborated the victim’s allegation.

Metzner had been caring for the 8 year old boy as a Foster parent through the Eckerd child foster care process for a total of a week.

Metzner was arrested and charged with 12 counts of Possession of Child Pornography and 1 count of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation.
The investigation continues.