CLEARWATER, Fla. – Brian Francis McArdle, 34, of Clearwater, faces federal charges of transporting and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. An indictment unsealed in federal court alleges McArdle’s involvement in these serious crimes.
The indictment details that between January 1, 2023, and April 2, 2024, McArdle allegedly transported and shipped visual depictions involving the sexual abuse of a minor. He is also charged with knowingly possessing visual depictions of the sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12.
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If convicted on all counts, McArdle faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a formal charge, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation leading to the indictment. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry will be prosecuting the case.
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