Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of a Sanford man on 53 counts for allegedly possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), 46 counts for allegedly possessing AI-generated CSAM, and one count for allegedly possessing a child-like sex doll during a press conference in Orlando this week.
According to the attorney general, Blake McKinniss, 37, allegedly had numerous files of CSAM on electronic devices following a search warrant executed by Florida Department of Law Enforcement officials on March 9.
In addition, FDLE officials found bedrooms decorated for a little girl despite no children living at the residence. Investigators also found sexual paraphernalia, including child-like sex dolls, as well as children’s toys and clothing in the rooms.
"Law enforcement and prosecutors walked into a house of horrors upon executing this search warrant," Uthmeier said in a statement. "This guy could spend the rest of his life in prison, and I'm grateful our team worked to ensure he never has access to our kids."
FDLE began its investigation on Jan. 27 following a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
"FDLE remains steadfast in our mission to protect our most vulnerable from those who seek to harm them," FDLE Special Agent in Charge Felipe Williams said. "Our agents and law enforcement partners work every day to identify and remove dangerous predators from our communities. We kept our word: if you think you can prey on our children, you are wrong. We will continue working with our partners and with the Attorney General Uthmeier's team to ensure offenders are found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
McKinniss is being held at the Seminole County Jail on a $350,000 bond. He faces up to 1,026 years in prison if convicted.
"I am honored to work alongside my fellow legislators to protect Florida's children from those who exploit them through harmful materials," Rep. Rachel Plakon (R-Lake Mary). "I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Attorney General and our dedicated law enforcement agencies for their relentless efforts in enforcing these critical laws."
The Eighteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida will prosecute the case.
Uthmeier's announcement follows the rearrest of a man for allegedly possessing child pornography and the sentencing of a man on child pornography charges earlier this month.
