He sent a video to an internet chat group that depicted the sadistic sexual abuse of an infant, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

JACKSONVILLE – A St. Petersburg man has pleaded guilty to using the internet to distribute child sex abuse videos, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida said.

Anthony Davis Stagnitta, 22, of St. Petersburg, faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years, and up to 20 years, in federal prison, as well as a potential life term of supervised release. A sentencing date has not been set. Stagnitta is a former University of North Florida student.

According to court documents, in February 2018, agents from Homeland Security Investigations began an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children that was occurring on a popular messaging application. The agents discovered that between Nov. 24, 2017, and Dec. 3, 2017, Stagnitta had engaged in online conversations with other users in a public group chat on the app and had discussed trading child pornography. On Dec. 3, 2017, Stagnitta sent a video to the group that depicted the sadistic sexual abuse of an infant.

On April 30, 2018, HSI agents executed a search warrant at Stagnitta’s home in Jacksonville. During an interview, Stagnitta admitted that he had discussed child pornography using this app, had sent videos of child pornography to other users via private messaging, and had posted videos in the group chats. Forensic analysis of Stagnitta’s cellphone revealed that it contained 2,904 images depicting young children being sexually abused.

U.S. Attorney | Crime | Courts | Child Abuse | Tampabay News

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