Lutz Man Arrested with Over 1000 Child Abuse Material Files

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office detectives arrested Charles Price, 61, of Lutz on Sept. 14, 2026, after discovering more than 1,000 files containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on an electronic device at his home.

The investigation began July 27, 2026, when the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reported the upload of CSAM. Detectives with the HCSO's Internet Predators Unit and SWAT team identified Price as the suspect. They executed a court-authorized search warrant at his Lutz residence on Sept. 14.

Investigators found an electronic device containing over 1,000 CSAM files depicting juvenile victims between the ages of five and 12. Online activity linked to the device indicated the transmission and trading of CSAM.

Price faces charges including Solicitation or Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (Ten or More Images and Content of Images) (x1000), Unlawful Use of a Two Way Communications Device, and Obstruction of Service or Execution of Search Warrant.

“This case is a reminder that predators who seek to exploit children will be arrested,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “Our detectives will continue to pursue anyone who victimizes children, and we will do everything in our power to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.”

The investigation remains ongoing.