The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a 14-year-old on terrorism and child pornography charges.
On January 31, 2026, HCSO received a tip that Jose Pagan Jr., 14, had access to weapons and was planning to conduct a mass shooting at a church near his home in Wimauma. It was also determined that Pagan was possibly connected to an active HCSO child pornography investigation.
HCSO served a search warrant at the residence, where they found multiple firearms, ammunition, and electronic devices containing child sexual abuse material.
Pagan was arrested and has been charged with:
- Written or Electronic Threat to Conduct a Mass Shooting or Act of Terrorism
- In State Transmission of Child Pornography by Electronic Device
- Solicitation or Possession of Child Pornography 10 or More Images and Content of Images (x14)
- Unlawful Use of Two Way Communications Device (x2)
“The age of the individual involved does not lessen the seriousness of these crimes,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Threats of mass violence and the exploitation of children demand immediate action, and we will always move swiftly to protect lives and hold those responsible accountable.”
This is an active investigation. Any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.