HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) announced Wednesday the arrest of a 14-year-old suspect from Wimauma on terrorism and child pornography charges.
According to HCSO, authorities received a tip on Jan. 31 about Jose Pagan Jr., claiming the teen had access to weapons and was planning to conduct a mass shooting at a church near his home in Wimauma.
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Pagan was also allegedly engaged in an online chat room for violent extremists. Sheriff Chad Chronister said he discussed shooting up a nearby church in Wimauma, but did not specify which one.
HCSO also determined Pagan was possibly connected to an active HCSO child pornography investigation.
After executing a search warrant for the home, investigators found multiple firearms, ammunition, and electronic devices containing child sexual abuse material involving infants.
"Images too graphic and too disturbing too discuss because they would keep all of you up at night," Sheriff Chronister said.
He was then charged and arrested.
"The age of the individual involved does not lessen the seriousness of these crimes," said Sheriff 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."
Pagan faces the following charges:
- 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 (14 counts)
- unlawful use of two-way communications device (2 counts)
Sheriff Chronister said he expected additional charges to be filed as the investigation continues.
Tampa Bay 28 is no longer showing the mugshot of the minor, because the teen has not been charged as an adult. But Tampa Bay 28 is still naming the teen due to the nature of the charges and its potential community impact.
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