GPD arrests man for possession and distribution of child pornography

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Robert G. Duchaj, 28, was arrested today following a child pornography investigation by Gainesville Police Department (GPD).

According to information released by GPD, its Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Division, with the assistance of GPD SWAT, served a search warrant today in the 2000 block of NW 7th Lane. The investigation was prompted after GPD received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) indicating that a Snapchat user shared media of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through their platform.

Further investigation by Gainesville Police Department Detective Montague revealed that the likely suspect was Duchaj, who lives at the residence where the search warrant was executed. A review of communication from the Snapchat account revealed that Duchaj was soliciting child sexual abuse material of minor children.

According to GPD, Duchaj was contacted at his residence and interviewed by Detective Montague. Duchaj initially stated he didn’t recall the accounts or sending the illegal content. After he was shown how the investigation led to his residence and a device that was previously his, Duchaj suggested that his phone had been hacked.

Eventually, Duchaj reportedly stated that the account in question was his, and he admitted that he did send the video that was reported in the CyberTip. Duchaj went on to say that he made a mistake and he isn’t sure how many times he’s actually distributed child sexual abuse material, but he’s been viewing that kind of content since his early twenties.

Duchaj was arrested for one count of distribution of child exploitation material and one count of possession of child pornography for possessing the video that was reported in the CyberTip.

The Gainesville Police Department wants parents to be aware that children are being solicited and exploited through social networking applications. These social networking applications, like Facebook, KiK, Snapchat, TikTok, and Tagged are also used to share images and videos that depict young children being sexually abused. Please be vigilant and aware of any social networking platforms your children may access.

If you have any questions about this incident, please contact GPD Detective Donna Montague at 352-393-7730 or montagueda@cityofgainesville.org. Parents can also find resources at the NCMEC website: https://www.missingkids.org/HOME