The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested Sunghyun Kim, 29, for sexually exploiting and extorting juvenile victims over the internet.
On February 5, 2025, detectives initiated an investigation after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The anonymous tip came from one of the victims who said the suspect sexually exploited and blackmailed them.
Through a three-month-long investigation, detectives learned that the suspect was engaging with multiple juveniles through social media sites, receiving sexual content from them, and then blackmailing them.
On May 20, 2025, the HCSO Internet Predator Unit served a residential search warrant at the suspect's residence in Riverview.
During the search warrant, detectives seized multiple electronic devices and found more than a thousand files of child sexual abuse material and computer-generated child sexual abuse material. Detectives also discovered 45 files depicting sexual activity with an animal.
Sunghyun Kim is facing the following charges:
- Possession of Child Pornography (10 or More Images and Content of Images) (x100)
- Possession of Generated Child pornography (x100)
- Film, Distribute, or Possess Videos or Image Depicting Sexual Activity with an Animal (x45)
- Promotion of Sexual Performance by a Child (x14)
- Transmission of Harmful Material to a Minor (x9)
- Use of computer service for lewd or lascivious exhibition (x6)
“To manipulate and extort underage victims for his sick gratification is beyond disgusting, it’s evil,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Let me be clear: anyone who preys on children will face the full force of the law. We will not tolerate this in our community.”
If anyone believes they have been victimized by Sunghyun Kim, please contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office immediately at 813-247-8200.
The investigation is ongoing, any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.