TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Thursday that more than 2,000 accused child predators have been arrested across the state since he assumed office in February 2025.
Speaking at a news conference, Uthmeier said the total underscores what he described as the “aggressive work” of state and local law enforcement agencies to track down, arrest and pursue charges against people accused of sexually exploiting children.
“Protecting our children is my No. 1 priority,” Uthmeier said. “With over 2,000 child predators arrested since I took office, we are sending a clear message: if you prey on kids in this state, we will find you, arrest you, and put you behind bars.”
Among the cases highlighted by Uthmeier’s office were the following details:
Graham Freeman, 56, of Cape Coral
Freeman, a Lee County middle school science teacher, was arrested Aug. 6 on 10 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and one count of sexual activity involving animals.
According to investigators, peer-to-peer file-sharing activity was traced to his residence, and a subsequent search turned up multiple electronic devices containing illegal material.
He was later removed from the classroom, officials said.
Jordan Kent Hall, 33, of Sarasota
Hall faces 10 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and one count of sexual activities involving animals.
Following an investigation of peer-to-peer network activity, agents executed a search warrant at his home on July 30, recovering devices containing the prohibited material, per detectives.
Matthew David Peter, 41, of Zephyrhills
Peter faces charges of soliciting a child for unlawful sexual conduct using computer services, transmission of harmful material to a minor, and unlawful use of a two-way communications device to facilitate a felony.
The charges stem from an undercover FDLE operation in which investigators said Peter engaged in sexually explicit communications with an agent posing as a 13-year-old girl and transmitted harmful material.
According to the release, efforts by the Office of Statewide Prosecution’s Crimes Against Children efforts have secured nearly 693 years of prison sentences since February 2025, which is over four times the previous monthly rate.
Meanwhile, case filings have also increased dramatically, the release shows.
“Secure internet habits start at home,” FDLE Fort Myers Special Agent in Charge Eli Lawson said. “While families are getting ready for the school year to begin, I strongly encourage parents to have the important conversations with your children about safe online use.”
