ICAC investigation Leads to Arrest for Possession of Child Pornography

On 06-08-2026, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received information in regard to the possession of child pornography. The information was later assigned to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation.

During the investigation probable cause was established to support a search warrant for a residence on Eastwood Trail in Brooksville.

On 06-16-2026, members of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office executed the search warrant at the aforementioned residence.

Upon executing the search warrant, contact was made with Joseph Michael Crandley, DOB/03-02-1979. While speaking with Crandley, he confirmed ownership of the social media account, as well as the account identifiers associated to the account which contained Child Sex Abuse Material (CSAM). Crandley also stated that he no longer had access to the account due to it being banned for violating their terms of use.

While on scene, Crandley’s phone was reviewed which revealed one file of CSAM in his recently deleted photos.

Crandley was arrested and transported to the Hernando County Detention Center on the following charges:

• Possession of Child Pornography (1 Count) NO BOND
• Unlawful use of a Two-Way Communication Device (1 Count) $5,000 BOND

The investigation remains ongoing.

Sheriff Al Nienhuis has a zero tolerance for possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material. Any and all tips are, and will be, meticulously investigated, no stone will be left unturned. Any person who possesses material of this nature will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.