A Sarasota man has been indicted on charges related to child sexual abuse material. Sean Anthony Christie, 42, faces charges of distribution, receipt, and access with intent to view such material. If found guilty on all counts, Christie could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
The indictment states that between November 17 and 19, 2024, Christie distributed and received child sex abuse material. Additionally, he is accused of accessing this material with the intent to view it, involving a child under the age of 12.
It is important to note that an indictment is a formal charge indicating that a defendant may have violated federal criminal law. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation into this case. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry will handle the prosecution.
This case falls under Project Safe Childhood's umbrella. Launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006, this initiative aims to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The program brings together resources from federal, state, and local levels to locate and prosecute offenders while also rescuing victims. Further information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.