The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a man after an investigation led detectives to discover more than 100 files of child sexual abuse material on his electronic devices.
On June 17, 2026, HCSO's Internet Predator Unit served a search warrant at a home on Golf and Sea Boulevard in Apollo Beach after determining child pornography was being downloaded. Detectives also located one file depicting bestiality.
In total, detectives located and collected 160 devices containing approximately 236 terabytes of data as evidence.
Michael Austin Gallo, 38, was arrested and charged with:
- Film, Distribute, or Possess Image or Video of Sexual Activity With an Animal
- Solicitation or Possession of Child Pornography 10 or More Images and Content of Images (x100)
“Those who exploit children will be identified, investigated, and held accountable,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our Internet Predator Unit works tirelessly to protect children and remove these offenders from our community.”
This remains an active investigation. Any updates will be provided by the Public Affairs Office.
