Tampa Republic

Mitchell Regan, a 36-year-old resident of Leesburg, has been arrested on charges of possessing child sex abuse material. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. If found guilty, Regan could face up to 20 years in federal prison.

The complaint states that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a search warrant at Regan's home on October 17, 2024. During the search, an HSI computer forensic agent discovered an image of child sex abuse material on Regan's cellphone. Regan reportedly admitted to sending and receiving such material through an online social media application. He also informed law enforcement that he is employed at a middle school and the Boys and Girls Club, where he teaches chess club and music lessons.

It is important to note that a complaint is only a formal charge indicating that a defendant may have violated federal criminal law; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The investigation into this case is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations in conjunction with the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg will prosecute the case.

This arrest is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. This program involves collaboration between federal, state, and local resources to apprehend individuals who exploit children sexually and to identify and rescue victims.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.