Production Of Child Sex Abuse Materials Claimed In Indictment

TAMPA, FL — This week, United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the return of an indictment charging Justin Ryan Culmo, 39, of Oldsmar with three counts of production of child sex abuse material, one count of distribution and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material.

If convicted, Culmo faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years up to 30 years in federal prison for each production count, a minimum mandatory five years up to 20 years for the distribution count and up to 20 years in federal prison for the possession offense.

The indictment also notifies Culmo that the United States intends to seize his personal property that was used to facilitate the offenses.

According to a previously filed complaint affidavit and the indictment, Culmo has been linked to an online community of individuals who regularly produce, distribute and receive child sexual abuse material via hidden service websites also known as dark web sites.

The websites Culmo accessed are exclusively dedicated to the sexual abuse of children. Culmo allegedly produced and distributed child sexual abuse material on these sites.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacie B. Harris.

Anyone who was, or knows of someone who may have been, a victim of Culmo is urged to contact HSI at 1-866-347-2423 or click here.