TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier came forward on Thursday to reveal that over 2,000 child predators have been arrested since he first took office in February 2025.
During a news conference, Uthmeier discussed the figures, saying that the milestone reflects the “aggressive work” that state and local agencies have done to identify, arrest and prosecute “those who sexually exploit children.”
“Protecting our children is my No. 1 priority,” he 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.”
Three specific cases discussed by Uthmeier’s office include the following:
- Graham Freeman, 56, of Cape Coral
- A middle school science teacher in Lee County was arrested on Aug. 6 and charged with 10 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and one count of sexual activity involving animals.
- Investigators said they found peer-to-peer file sharing activity linked to his home, and a search recovered several electronic devices containing illegal material.
- Freeman was later removed from the classroom.
- 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.”