Attorney General James Uthmeier Announces Arrest of Zephyrhills Man for Child Sexual Abuse Material Possession; Now Facing 270 Years in Prison

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of Frank Tonin, 69, of Zephyrhills, on 17 counts of possession of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) and one count of promotion of a sexual performance by a child, all second-degree felonies.

"Every time this harmful content depicting innocent children is viewed or shared, the child is revictimized," said Attorney General James Uthmeier. "I want to thank the proactive policing by FDLE agents that led to the arrest of this child predator. Our prosecutors will continue to work with law enforcement until every predator is found and put behind bars."

In January 2026, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement initiated an undercover operation to identify people actively distributing CSAM. During this operation, an IP address was identified and traced to Tonin's residence. Several files were shared by this IP address, including a video promoting the sexual performance of a minor.

On April 29, 2026, FDLE agents conducted a search warrant at Tonin's residence and seized multiple electronic devices. An investigation revealed multiple files of CSAM on these devices, including content involving toddlers, young teenagers, and animals.

Tonin is in the Pasco County Jail on a $850,000 bond. If convicted as charged, Tonin faces up to 270 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.

This case will be prosecuted by the Special Counsel Rita Peters in the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida.

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