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Feds Indict Tampa Man on Child Sexual Abuse Charges, Exposing Shocking Details and Potential 80-Year Sentence

Michael Wilson, 38, indicted for producing and possessing child sexual abuse material; faces 80 years.

byEditorial Staff

September 15, 2025, 4:06 PM

A close-up of a person's hands in handcuffs, wearing an orange jumpsuit

The cuffed hands of an individual wearing a bright orange uniform, representing arrest or conviction. By MDL.

Executive Summary

Michael Antwohn Wilson, 38, of Tampa, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of producing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

The indictment alleges Wilson produced and attempted to produce CSAM on specific dates in 2023 and possessed CSAM, including material depicting minors under 12, until June 2025, potentially facing an 80-year maximum prison sentence.

The investigation was conducted jointly by the Tampa Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI, as part of the nationwide Project Safe Childhood initiative.

Laws and Precedent

Michael Antwohn Wilson’s indictment on federal charges of producing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) stems from federal criminal laws prohibiting such offenses, with the formal charges brought by a federal grand jury. If convicted, Wilson faces severe penalties under federal sentencing guidelines, including a maximum of 80 years in prison, reflecting the gravity of these crimes and the U.S. Department of Justice’s commitment through initiatives like Project Safe Childhood to combat child exploitation. Additionally, the intent to seek forfeiture of items used in the alleged crimes is a legal consequence under federal asset forfeiture procedures.

A federal grand jury has indicted Michael Antwohn Wilson, 38, of Tampa, on charges of producing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The indictment, announced Monday by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe, alleges Wilson produced and attempted to produce CSAM in the Middle District of Florida and possessed material depicting minors, including some under the age of 12. If convicted on all counts, Wilson faces a maximum penalty of 80 years in federal prison.

Indictment Details

According to the indictment, Wilson allegedly produced and attempted to produce CSAM on April 27 and February 23, 2023. The charges also state that from an unknown date until June 26, 2025, Wilson possessed CSAM, with some material reportedly depicting minors under the age of 12.

The indictment further notifies Wilson that the United States intends to seek forfeiture of a camera, a cellphone, and SD cards. These items are alleged to have been used in the commission of the offenses.

Investigation and Prosecution

The investigation into Wilson’s activities was conducted jointly by the Tampa Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel will prosecute the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006. The project aims to combat the increasing prevalence of child sexual exploitation and abuse through a combination of law enforcement efforts, prevention programs, and victim support.

Legal Clarification

It is important to note that an indictment is a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.