Man charged with 100 counts of child porn accused of recording kids in Lutz library bathroom
Man charged with 100 counts of child porn accused of recording kids in Lutz library bathroom
Hillsborough County deputies have arrested a man on numerous charges after they say they found child pornography images on his phone while they were investigating reports of children being recorded in a library bathroom. FOX 13's Kylie Jones reports.
LUTZ, Fla. - Hillsborough County deputies have arrested a man on numerous charges after they say they found child pornography images on his phone while they were investigating reports of children being recorded in a library bathroom and say there may be more victims.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, on February 13, a 12-year-old girl said she noticed Christian Stark, 27, recording her with his phone while she was in the women’s bathroom at the Lutz branch library located at 101 West Lutz Lake Fern Road.
"Mr. Stark had already fled the scene, but the mother of the victim and, outstanding job by her, took a photograph of Mr. Stark," Chief Deputy Joe Maurer said.
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The next day, detectives executed a search warrant at Stark’s home and said they discovered numerous images of child porn on his phone. He was arrested and charged with 100 counts of possession of child pornography, 10 or more images and content images, and one count of unlawful use of a two-way communications device.
Christian Stark mugshot courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
"Anyone that has over 100 images of child pornography, that's not a one-time thing," Maurer said.
While investigating, detectives say they learned Stark had recorded at least four juveniles in the women’s bathroom at the library and filmed himself performing sexual acts on himself.
"When you use a restroom in a library where you're supposed to be studying or reading or enjoying yourself, to go to a place of privacy, and then be surprised by an adult male there," Maurer said. "But kudos to her. Kudos to identifying that. Kudos to her mother for taking that picture, because without those steps, we wouldn't been able to arrest Mr. Stark."
Exterior of sign at Lutz library.
"Your kids, they want to do things on their own," Martin said. "You let your kid go to the library bathroom on their own. Next thing you know, there's someone recording them, and maybe worse, if they're on their own. Now, I will 100,000% make sure that even if they do want to do things by themselves getting older, and they should be able to that, I'll be with them at all times."
Stark is now facing additional charges including three counts of voyeurism, three counts of video voyeurism (defendant 24 or older and victim less than 16), and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
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"This suspect's actions are disgusting. We're committed to ensuring every child, our most vulnerable, is secure and protected in Hillsborough County," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "I commend our detectives and deputies for working hard on this case to find every piece of this investigation and making sure Stark is behind bars away from harming more children."
If you were at the Lutz Branch Library on Feb. 13 and came into contact with Stark or believe you or your child might be a victim, contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
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