Child Porn Charge For Land O' Lakes Teen

A 15-year-old Land O’ Lakes female is facing a third-degree felony child pornography charge for allegedly snapping a picture of two minors in a sex act.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office said the female, whose name Patch is withholding, had her phone taken by a Wiregrass Ranch High School employee in May when she was accused of cheating on a test. The employee “observed a picture of two juveniles engaged in oral sex,” according to the criminal affidavit.

The female admitted to taking the photo and five witnesses said they were shown the image, according to the affidavit.

During a press conference, detective William Lindsey said a warrant is also being issued for an 18-year-old Wiregrass Ranch High School student who posted the photo on Twitter.

In Florida, it is illegal to take, transmit or possess images of minors engaged in sexual acts regardless of one’s age.

Lindsey said the photo depicts a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old. The image was snapped at one of the student’s homes and with both participants’ knowledge, Lindsey said. The intent was never for it to be shown to fellow students apparently.

“All this was done to be malicious,” Lindsey said.

The girl who took the picture could have been charged with distribution of child porn too but authorities are not interested in “stacking up charges,” Lindsey said. Authorities are also taking into account that the 18-year-old is “a very young adult.”

“We’re trying to teach a lesson, enforce the law but not destroy someone’s life,” Lindsey said.