Aaron Starbird, 44, of Orlando has been indicted on multiple federal charges including coercion and enticement of minors to engage in illegal sexual activity, attempted coercion and enticement, production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), receipt of CSAM, and possession of CSAM, according to an April 15 announcement by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
The indictment alleges that Starbird faces a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and could receive up to life imprisonment if convicted. He also faces the possibility of a lifetime term of supervised release. The case underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address crimes involving the exploitation and abuse of children.
Court documents state that Starbird became the subject of an investigation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation in 2025 after he communicated with an undercover officer about engaging in sexual activity with minors. Authorities seized his cellphone during this investigation. A search revealed that between 2021 and 2024, Starbird coerced two minor victims into illegal sexual acts and attempted to entice another minor victim as well. In one instance, he allegedly arranged a meeting with a 14-year-old victim whom he picked up from their home before taking them back to his residence where they engaged in sexual acts. During this period, it is alleged that he induced another minor victim to produce CSAM and received other CSAM while discussing illegal activities with others.
The indictment is described as a formal charge; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman will prosecute the case.
According to U.S. Attorney Kehoe's office, this prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice initiative launched in 2006 aimed at combating child exploitation through coordinated federal, state, and local resources dedicated both to prosecuting offenders and supporting victims.
