Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the indictment of James Oxley, 52, from Polk City. Oxley is charged with transportation and possession of child sexual abuse material, as well as possession of AI-generated child sexual abuse material. If found guilty, he could face up to 40 years in federal prison for transporting such material and an additional 20 years for possession and related offenses. The indictment includes a notice that the U.S. intends to confiscate a cellphone used during the alleged crimes.
Court documents reveal that on December 22, 2024, Oxley arrived at Tampa seaport aboard a cruise ship that had visited two Mexican destinations before returning to Tampa. Between December 17 and December 22, 2024, he allegedly transported child sexual abuse materials. A search by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents uncovered images and videos depicting child exploitation on his cellphone. From an unspecified date until December 22, Oxley is accused of possessing explicit content involving minors under age twelve and AI-generated images resembling minors in explicit conduct.
Oxley's past includes a conviction in 2012 for three counts related to possessing images showing children in sexual performances under Florida law.
The announcement clarifies that an indictment is only a formal accusation of criminal activity; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
This case aligns with Project Safe Childhood's objectives—a Department of Justice initiative started in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation nationwide. It coordinates efforts across federal, state, and local levels to prosecute offenders and rescue victims. Further details about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations alongside U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.