United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the indictment of Sean Anthony Christie, a 42-year-old resident of Sarasota, on charges related to child sexual abuse material. The charges include distribution, receipt, and access with intent to view such material. If found guilty on all counts, Christie could face up to 20 years in federal prison.

The indictment specifies that between November 17 and 19, 2024, Christie was involved in distributing and receiving child sex abuse material. Furthermore, he is accused of accessing this type of material with the intent to view it, involving a child under the age of 12.

It is important to note that an indictment is merely a formal charge for violations of federal criminal law. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The investigation into this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry will prosecute the case.

This legal action falls under Project Safe Childhood's efforts—a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at addressing child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project unites federal, state, and local resources to apprehend and prosecute offenders while identifying and rescuing victims. Further information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.