News Summary
Two men from St. Petersburg have been arrested in connection with child exploitation, facing serious charges including child pornography and conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, and sexual assault. The arrests are part of a larger effort to address online threats to children’s safety. Authorities emphasize the critical importance of community vigilance and reporting suspicious activities. These cases highlight the ongoing battle against child exploitation, with law enforcement agencies working together to combat these heinous crimes.
St. Petersburg – Two men from St. Petersburg have been arrested in separate cases related to child exploitation, including charges of child pornography and a plot involving violence against a child. The police actions are a response to significant investigations into disturbing online activities that pose threats to children’s safety.
The first arrest involved 39-year-old Steven Landice, who was apprehended after law enforcement received a tip-off about his online activities. Landice has been charged with 10 counts of possession of child pornography and 6 counts of transmission of child pornography. The material found by authorities depicts children between the ages of three and eight. Following his arrest, Landice was taken to the Pinellas County Jail. The investigation into his activities remains active, with the potential for additional charges as new evidence emerges.
In a separate investigation, 47-year-old Jason Foley was arrested by the SWAT team on January 31. Foley was detained without incident at his apartment located at 430 3rd Avenue South. Authorities reported that Foley was alone in the apartment during his arrest. His apprehension came after an investigation initiated by an out-of-state law enforcement agency, which had discovered Foley’s involvement in online discussions concerning plans to kidnap, sexually assault, and murder a child. The targeted child does not live in Florida.
Foley is facing severe charges, including conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, conspiracy to commit capital sexual battery, and conspiracy to commit aggravated child abuse. Additionally, he has been charged with 23 counts of possession of child pornography and 3 counts of transmission of child pornography. At this time, police have not disclosed further information regarding the out-of-state investigation or the identity of Foley’s alleged accomplice.
The charges against both individuals highlight serious concerns about child safety and the prevalence of child exploitation in digital spaces. The investigations reflect ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat such crimes aggressively and ensure the protection of vulnerable children.
Child pornography is a significant issue across the United States, prompting authorities to conduct regular raids and surveillance to curb these disturbing activities. With the advent of the internet, the distribution of such material has become more pervasive, leading to the implementation of stricter laws and increased penalties for offenders. Investigators are continuously working to track offenders and remove harmful content from online platforms.
These arrests in St. Petersburg are part of a broader initiative called Operation Predator, executed by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which aims to rid the communities of child predators and those who exploit children for sexual purposes. Recent data illustrates a troubling upward trend in such offenses, necessitating prompt law enforcement action and community awareness.
In both cases, law enforcement received critical leads that aided in the timely apprehension of the suspects. As investigations continue, they offer a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against child exploitation and the vital role of vigilance within the community.
Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or online behavior that may indicate child exploitation, as every piece of information could contribute to preventing potential crimes and protecting children.
As authorities continue their investigations into both cases, they emphasize the importance of collaboration between local and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as the need for community awareness to address these pressing issues effectively.
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Additional Resources
- FOX 13 News
- Wikipedia: Child pornography
- IONTB
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Internet
- WTSP
- Google Search: child exploitation news
- FOX 5 Atlanta
- Google News: child pornography
- WFLA
- Google Scholar: child sexual abuse
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
