Zachary William Thomas of Clearwater was sentenced on April 7 to seven years and six months in federal prison for distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material. U.S. District Judge William F. Jung handed down the sentence after Thomas, age 29, pleaded guilty on October 7, 2025. In addition to the prison term, Thomas was ordered to pay $9,000 in restitution and must register as a sex offender, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address crimes involving the exploitation of children online. The sentencing reflects the seriousness with which federal authorities are treating offenses related to child sexual abuse material.
Court documents show that between February 13 and February 16, 2024, Thomas communicated with another individual via a social media application and exchanged images and videos of child sexual abuse material with that person. During a search of his home conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), agents seized two cellphones belonging to Thomas that contained hundreds of such images and videos.
The investigation was led by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse nationwide. The project brings together federal, state, and local resources to identify offenders who exploit children online as well as provide support for victims.
