Palmetto Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials
Manatee County, FL – A 73-year-old Palmetto resident, Bruce Herbert Hayes, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading no contest to 27 counts of possessing child sexual abuse materials, according to court records. Hayes' sentencing comes after a thorough investigation led by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The case began in August 2022, when the sheriff’s office received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding possible distribution of child sexual abuse material. The tip identified that someone using Bing Images had uploaded a file containing explicit content involving minors. Detectives were able to confirm the authenticity of the material, showing real human subjects.
Through an investigation into the origin of the file, the sheriff's office subpoenaed an internet service provider to trace the digital footprint to an IP address registered to Hayes' Palmetto residence. Detectives visited Hayes’ home in July 2023, where he voluntarily allowed authorities to examine his electronic devices, including his desktop computer, cell phone, and tablet.
Further forensic analysis led detectives to uncover a document on Hayes’ computer discussing child sexual abuse material. Based on this discovery, the sheriff’s office obtained a search warrant to perform a comprehensive forensic examination of all his electronic devices. The search, conducted in October 2022, resulted in the seizure of several devices, including a desktop computer, two Samsung tablets, and a case containing DVDs.
The investigation revealed 61 unique images and videos of child sexual abuse on the desktop computer, along with evidence of another 1,400 images in the device’s history. Additional explicit content, consisting of more than 50 images and videos, was found on the DVDs.
The graphic materials, which depicted minors ranging from 4 to 13 years old, formed the basis for the 27 charges against Hayes. After pleading no contest, Hayes received a 15-year prison sentence, with credit for time served since his arrest in 2023.
This case underscores the importance of cybercrime units and their collaboration with national organizations in combating the exploitation of minors.