The Gainesville Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Division executed a search warrant on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 3300 NW 28th Place, leading to the arrest of 84-year-old Robert McBride a registered sexual offender. McBride faces multiple charges, including Distribution and Possession of Child Pornography.
The investigation began after the Gainesville Police Department (GPD) received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), indicating that a Microsoft user had uploaded two images of child sexual abuse material.
Further investigation by GPD Detective Montague identified Robert McBride, who resides at the listed address, as the likely user. McBride has been designated as a Sexual Offender in Florida since October 24, 1988, following a conviction in Alachua County for Lewd/Lascivious Assault Upon Child Under 16 Years of Age.
During a post-Miranda interview, McBride initially denied possessing or distributing the material but eventually admitted to it. When shown a redacted image, he estimated the two females in the images to be between the ages of ten and twelve.
All of McBride’s electronic devices were seized, and a complete forensic analysis is pending. McBride was arrested and charged with:
- Two counts of Distribution of Child Pornography
- One count of Possession of Child Pornography
- One count of Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device
- One count for failing to update Sexual Offender account information
The Gainesville Police Department is urging parents to be aware of the dangers children face online, as they are being solicited and exploited through social networking and messaging apps. Parents are encouraged to have age-appropriate conversations with their children about internet safety and to be vigilant about their children’s social networking platforms.
For any questions regarding this incident, please contact GPD Detective Donna Montague at 352-393-7730 or montagueda@cityofgainesville.org.
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