The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Villager this week for possession of child pornography.
Detectives assigned to the county’s child exploitation investigations unit, who are also members of the Internet Crimes Against Children Federal Task Force, began investigating Timothy Alan Burke, 65, after receiving tips someone at his address was uploading child pornography. The uploaded image appeared to be a child under the age of 10.
After an extensive investigation, probable cause was developed to obtain a search warrant of Burke’s residence, which is located in the Village of Dunedin. While conducting the search, detectives discovered an additional image on Burke’s computer of two children under the age of 10 engaged in sexual activity. Additional examination of his computer proved challenging due to an encryption software, which makes it difficult for law enforcement to access certain files that may contain additional child pornography. Several electronic devices were seized and sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for forensic analysis.
At the conclusion of the search warrant, Burke was placed under arrest for possession of child pornography. More charges are expected, and will be decided based on the findings from the forensic analysis of the seized electronic devices.
Burke was booked without bond at the Sumter County Detention Center.
If you have any information about this investigation, please contact The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office at 352-793-2621. To remain anonymous, call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).
