SPRING HILL, Fla. — Hernando County deputies have arrested a man, Aaron Randall, following an investigation into alleged child pornography possession. Randall reportedly claimed he was “scamming pedophiles” for money when in need.
The investigation began last month when authorities received tips regarding Randall’s suspected possession of child pornography. Using a search warrant, detectives examined his online and social media accounts, uncovering 13 files depicting sexual activities involving animals and various conversations that suggested he was advertising sexually explicit videos for sale featuring a juvenile female.
According to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), Randall’s account listed a pricing structure for different sexual acts and services, including live-streaming videos related to child exploitation material. He reportedly accepted payments through a popular cellphone banking application.
When deputies visited his Spring Hill residence on Wednesday, Randall admitted to owning the social media account and acknowledged viewing and possessing the disturbing files. He claimed to have made a few thousand dollars over the past one to two years by “scamming pedophiles,” though he denied distributing child pornography.
Randall also confessed to using his ex-girlfriend’s name on his banking application to conceal his identity. In addition to the child pornography charges, deputies discovered 2.7 grams of methamphetamine in his bedroom. Randall stated he used meth to concentrate, as he was unable to obtain a prescription for Adderall.
He faces multiple charges, including 13 counts related to sexual activities involving animals, money laundering, criminal use of personal identification information, and possession of methamphetamine.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Hernando County Crime Stoppers at 1-866-990-8477 or submit tips anonymously via their cellphone. Tipsters could be eligible for a $5,000 cash reward.