United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the indictment and arrest of Stephen Andrew Leedy, a 59-year-old doctor from St. Petersburg, Florida. Leedy faces charges related to the production of child sexual abuse material and enticing minors into sexual activities. If found guilty on all charges, he could face a life sentence in federal prison.

Court documents reveal that Leedy, a palliative care physician in Tampa Bay, used the online alias “maximumuncle#9112” to exploit around ten minors. He reportedly instructed them to create explicit images and encouraged self-harm behaviors like cutting and choking. In November 2021, Minor Victim 1 was discovered deceased by hanging, allegedly following instructions given by Leedy.

The indictment represents formal charges but does not imply guilt; defendants are considered innocent until proven otherwise.

The investigation was conducted by the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and the FBI's Tampa Office with help from other law enforcement agencies including the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Holly Springs Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Abigail K. King and Ilyssa M. Spergel will prosecute the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at addressing child exploitation crimes nationwide.

For further details on Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.