PINELLAS PARK, Fla. – The Pinellas Park Police Department announced the arrest of a 16-year-old female on multiple counts of possession of child pornography. Paige Smiley, a Pinellas Park resident, was taken into custody following an investigation triggered by multiple tips to the department.
According to police, Smiley is accused of transmitting child pornography, including self-generated images, in exchange for electronic payments. These images were allegedly shared across various social media platforms.
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Investigators obtained a search warrant for Smiley’s residence, where she lives with her family. During the execution of the warrant, detectives discovered several electronic devices. Three of these devices were reportedly hidden and used for the illegal activity.
Smiley was arrested and, during questioning, admitted to her actions, police said. She currently faces five counts of possession of child pornography, with an additional 15 charges pending.
Chief Geissenberger of the Pinellas Park Police Department emphasized the department’s commitment to protecting vulnerable members of the community. “Today’s arrest demonstrates our unwavering commitment to holding individuals accountable for possessing illegal materials that exploit and harm others, no matter the violators’ age,” Geissenberger stated. “We will continue to pursue justice and ensure that those who commit such crimes are located and arrested.”
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The Pinellas Park Police Department is urging parents to monitor their children’s online activity and electronic devices actively.
The department recommends visiting https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz/resources for more information and resources on children and digital media safety.
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