Today, the Office of Statewide Prosecution under Attorney General James Uthmeier secured a 10-year prison sentence for Warner Smith, who pleaded guilty to charges related to child sexual abuse material and AI-generated child pornography. The case was handled in Lake County.
Attorney General Uthmeier expressed gratitude for the cyber tip that led to Smith's arrest, stating, “Thanks to a cyber tip, law enforcement took a predator who possessed child sexual abuse material and AI-generated child pornography out of the community.” He also commended Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Rebecca Smith-Hameroff for ensuring that Smith will serve a decade-long prison term.
The investigation began after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement received information from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children about Smith's activities. A search warrant executed at his residence resulted in the seizure of his cellphone. Forensic analysis revealed files depicting child exploitation involving young children and evidence of AI-generated content.
Smith admitted guilt to 15 felony counts concerning possession of child sexual abuse material and six counts related to AI-generated content. His sentence includes 10 years in prison followed by an additional 10 years on sex-offender probation.
This legal action follows last year's enactment of SB 1680 by Governor Ron DeSantis, which criminalizes the possession, control, intentional viewing, or creation of AI-generated child pornography.
Attorney General Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution managed this case.