A Florida man is accused of multiple child sex crimes, including producing child pornography and forcing about 10 children across the U.S. to “cut, strangle, or hang themselves,” according to federal prosecutors. has been indicted for. One of the alleged victims of child sexual abuse, a 13-year-old girl, was found dead after allegedly communicating with the suspect.
This was announced by the United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida. statement Stephen Andrew Reedy, 59, of St. Petersburg, was charged on Dec. 20 with three counts of producing child sexual abuse material and two counts of coercing or enticing a minor to perform a sexual act. If convicted on all charges, Reedy could face up to life in federal prison.
“Reedy is clearly involved in this predatory behavior, with approximately 10 underage victims across the country.”
According to court documents, Reedy is a palliative care physician in the Tampa Bay area. He allegedly “sexually exploited and harmed approximately 10 minors online” using the online username “maximumuncle#9112.”
Federal prosecutors said Reedy contacted minors online and “created sexually explicit images of themselves and instructed them to cut, strangle, or hang themselves.” said.
In November 2021, one alleged victim, a 13-year-old girl, died after hanging herself in front of her cell phone “in a manner consistent with instructions previously given by Reedy,” according to court documents. It was discovered that he was doing so.
A search of the girl's cell phone revealed messages between the girl and an online account with the username “maximumuncle#9112.”
Federal prosecutors said Reedy did not reveal his true identity and “maintained a black screen to further conceal his identity” during the video chat.
“Through social media conversations and investigative methods, law enforcement confirmed Reedy's ownership of the accounts used to encourage sadistic and sexual acts to minors,” prosecutors wrote. There is. “The underage victims were interviewed, identified themselves in conversation, and confirmed the horrific acts directed by Reedy. Reedy was clearly involved in this predatory operation, with approximately 10 victims across the country There are minor victims.”
“The nature and circumstances of the crime charged are extremely serious,” prosecutors said in their detention motion, according to the report. law and crime. “Reedy allegedly harassed the three underage victims named in the indictment and approximately seven additional underage victims during video calls to satisfy his sexually deviant interests in children. He instructed at least one underage victim to produce child pornography.The conversation constantly revolved around his control over his underage victims, commenting on how “submissive” they were. I asked him to call me “my lord.” ”
“Everything Reedy instructed his underage victims to do was physically or psychologically harmful to the underage victims,” prosecutors said.
Reedy's lawyers, Björn Brunwand and Lukas Fleming, told the newspaper. tampa bay times Their client “categorically denies the charges filed in federal court.”
“In moments like this, when someone is accused of very vexing charges, it is especially important that we grant him the presumption of innocence,” the lawyers said in a statement. I look forward to vigorously defending Dr. Reedy in court. ”
Reedy's wife, Linda Reedy, reportedly served as chief administrative officer of the Pinellas County Juvenile Services Commission for 10 years.
“The arrest and charges were a complete shock to everyone, including his wife,” the board said in a statement.
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