Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Justin Ryan Culmo, (39, 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 5 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 forfeit 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.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

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

Any person who was, or knows of someone who may have been, a possible victim of Culmo is urged to contact HSI at 1-866-347-2423 or http://www.ice.gov/webform/hsi-tip-form.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney's Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

If you see something, say something. HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423 or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196.

Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may also be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST (800-843-5678).