Two separate investigations led to the arrest of two Hernando County men on charges related to possession of child pornography. On June 16, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office arrested Joseph Michael Crandley, 47, of Brooksville, after a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received on June 8. Crandley was charged with one count of possession of child pornography and one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
Crandley’s arrest came after a search warrant was executed at his residence on Eastwood Trail in Brooksville. According to authorities, Crandley confirmed ownership of a social media account containing Child Sex Abuse Material (CSAM). He claimed to no longer have access to the account due to it being banned for violating terms of use. However, a file of CSAM was found on his phone. Crandley was transported to the Hernando County Detention Center.
In a separate case, Jason Edward Frank, 54, of Spring Hill, was arrested on June 19, following an investigation that began with a tip received on January 18. Frank was charged with six counts of possession of child pornography and one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device. A search warrant was issued for Frank’s residence on Ryan Street in Spring Hill, where authorities found digital devices containing six files of CSAM. Frank also confirmed ownership of an account identifier associated with the CSAM.
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate both cases. Anyone with information about these or other crimes is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s office.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun, Hernando Sun
