Florida is extremely hard on people accused of sex crimes involving children. Child pornography convictions can result in long prison sentences for both federal and state law violations. According to Florida statute § 847.0001, child pornography is defined as any image that depicts underage individuals (minors under the age of 18) of being involved in sexual conduct.
There have been many arrests in the last few years as Florida and the U.S. government have implemented several undercover stings to try and uncover suspects involved with child pornography. In February 2017, 42 people in Polk County were arrested on suspicion of engaging in the following crimes:
- Promotion
- Possession
- Distribution
Together, they are facing 892 current criminal charges, 216 previous felony charges, and 145 previous misdemeanor charges.