Detectives from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a 35-year-old woman who has been charged with over 40 counts related to child pornography, including four counts of Capital Sexual Battery. The victim of this Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) is her own 11-year-old daughter.
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri held a press conference to discuss the case in detail and urged the media and public to do everything possible to protect the victim’s identity. Although the mother’s identity will be made public, IONTB will not be identifying her to help protect the victim.
Detectives began their investigation on Friday, October 10, 2025, after becoming aware that a 38-year-old male had obtained CASM from a St. Petersburg woman via text from the victim’s mother. At least 14 very explicit videos and photos were sent to the male.
The Sheriff’s described the mother’s videos/photos as “graphic and grotesque”.
Detectives determined over the weekend that these photos and videos were produced in March and April of 2025. They are described as very graphic and include the use of sex toys as well as sex acts with the family dog and each other.
At approximately 10 a.m. on Monday, October 13, detectives served a search warrant at their home, and the mother was arrested. The four counts of Capital Sexual Battery make her eligible for a maximum penalty of death. The State Attorney will determine whether they will seek the death penalty.
The other counts include three counts of
- Lewd and Lascivious molestation X 3
- Transmission of Child Pornography X 13
- Sexual Performance by a Child X 13
- Sexual Activity involving Animals X 3
- Aggravated Child Abuse X 4
- Unlawful use of 2-way communication device X 1
The mother is currently being held in the Pinellas County Jail.
The relationship between the mother and the male to whom she sent the video is currently unknown, but it is believed they met online. The investigation is ongoing to determine whether the videos/photos were sent to any other recipients.
Sheriff Gualtieri stated that the Child Porn problem in this country is “out of control.” He mentioned that in Pinellas County, since January 1, 2025, 84 people have been booked into the Pinellas County Jail on approximately 900 charges related to the possession and/or distribution of child pornography. Most of these involved children from 5 to 12 years old, with some even involving children much younger.
The investigation continues, and multiple felony charges are expected to be filed against the 38-year-old male recipient of the videos/photos.
The Department of Child & Family, along with Victim Advocates, is assisting in this case.