Florida man arrested on multiple charges, says he ‘scammed pedophiles’ for money

HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida man who claimed he was “defrauding pedophiles” by falsely advertising child pornography was arrested Wednesday on multiple charges, law enforcement officials said.

According to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, detectives were first alerted to Aaron Randall, 34, when they received information about possession of child pornography on Aug. 20.

Detectives then conducted a search of Randall’s online accounts, where they said they found 13 files depicting sexual activity with animals.

They also received multiple calls from the social media provider, where agents said Randall’s account appeared to be advertising sexually explicit videos for sale featuring an underage girl. This included a price list for various acts and services to “view live streaming videos of child abuse material.”

According to investigators, Randall’s account also showed he accepted payments through a popular banking app.

On September 11, detectives went to Randall’s home on Blythville Road in Spring Hill. During an interview, detectives said Randall admitted to owning the social media account and viewing and possessing the animal files.

But investigators said Randall claimed he never distributed child pornography. He “scammed pedophiles” for money when he needed it, claiming he had made several thousand dollars in the past few years from scams.

He also reportedly admitted to using his ex-girlfriend’s name on his banking app to hide his identity.

While detectives were conducting the interrogation, they said that during a search of his home, 2.7 grams of methamphetamine were found on his bed in his bedroom. Randall claimed that the methamphetamine helps him focus, since he can’t get a prescription for Adderall.

Randall was arrested and is facing multiple charges, including 13 counts of animal sex acts, money laundering and methamphetamine possession.

According to detectives, the investigation is still ongoing.

If you have any information about this case, you can contact Hernando County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477) or **TIPS from a cell phone.