SANFORD, Fla. — A Sanford man is facing more than 100 criminal charges following an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) into alleged possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, including images generated using artificial intelligence.
Blake Edward McKinniss, 37, was arrested on 53 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material, 46 counts related to AI-generated child pornography, and one count of possession of a childlike sex doll, according to FDLE officials.
The case is part of a broader statewide effort aimed at identifying individuals who exploit children online and share illegal content.
According to FDLE, the investigation began on Jan. 27, 2026, after agents received more than 70 cyber tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Authorities said the tips indicated that an individual was uploading, viewing, and storing explicit images involving minors, as well as generating similar content using AI technology.
Investigators later identified McKinniss as the suspect connected to the online activity.
On March 9, FDLE’s Cybercrime Task Force, along with its Special Operations Team, executed a search warrant at McKinniss’ residence. Agents seized multiple electronic devices, and a preliminary forensic review reportedly uncovered numerous files containing child sexual abuse material.
During the search, agents also reported finding items described as sexually explicit paraphernalia, including a childlike sex doll and children’s underwear.
McKinniss was taken into custody and booked into the Seminole County Jail. The Sanford Police Department and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the operation.
The case is being prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution. Authorities say the investigation remains active, and additional charges could be filed as forensic analysis continues.
No court date has been publicly announced.
