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Palm Harbor Man Gets Over Six Years in Prison for Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Material

Palm Harbor man sentenced to 6+ years for receiving child sexual abuse material. He must pay restitution.

August 29, 2025, 6:32 PM

A criminal suspect, dressed in an orange jumpsuit, is interrogated by a law enforcement agent with documents and evidence laid out on a table. By MDL.

Executive Summary

George Puskas, II, of Palm Harbor, was sentenced to six years and six months in federal prison for receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM), ordered to pay $46,000 in restitution, and register as a sex offender.

The FBI investigation, which began in late 2022, accessed Puskas’s electronic device via a file-sharing program and subsequently found hundreds of photos and dozens of videos of CSAM during a September 2023 search.

The case against Puskas was a collaborative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Largo Police Department.

Laws and Precedent

George Puskas, II was sentenced under federal law for receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM), a crime prosecuted by an Assistant United States Attorney in federal court. The sentence, handed down by a U.S. District Judge, included federal prison time, restitution, and mandatory sex offender registration, reflecting the severe penalties prescribed under federal statutes for such offenses.

A Palm Harbor man has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM). U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven sentenced George Puskas, II, 66, to six years and six months, ordering him to pay $46,000 in restitution and register as a sex offender. Puskas pleaded guilty to the charge on March 27, 2025.

Investigation Details

The investigation into Puskas began in late 2022. Between December 2022 and August 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) utilized a file-sharing program to access one of Puskas’s electronic devices.

During this period, investigators successfully downloaded several files containing CSAM from the device. This critical evidence laid the groundwork for further action against Puskas.

Execution of Search Warrant and Findings

In September 2023, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Puskas’s Palm Harbor residence. During the search, investigators seized several electronic devices belonging to Puskas.

A subsequent forensic analysis of these devices uncovered hundreds of photos and dozens of videos of CSAM. The discovered material included images depicting minors under the age of 12 and content featuring sadistic or masochistic conduct, highlighting the severe nature of the offenses.

Law Enforcement Collaboration

This case was a collaborative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Largo Police Department. Their joint investigation was crucial in gathering the evidence that led to Puskas’s conviction.

Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts was responsible for prosecuting the case, bringing the charges against Puskas to a successful conclusion in federal court.

The sentencing of George Puskas, II, underscores the ongoing commitment of federal and local law enforcement agencies to combat the proliferation of child sexual abuse material. The outcome serves as a stark reminder of the severe penalties for individuals involved in such heinous crimes.