David Robert McKeown of Volusia County has been sentenced to 135 years in prison for crimes involving possession of child sexual abuse material and sexual conduct with an animal, according to a statement from Attorney General James Uthmeier.
“The abuse and trauma this predator inflicted is sick, and he deserves every moment of this sentence,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “We will always seek the longest sentence possible for anyone who harms innocent children or defenseless animals. Thanks to Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Emily Frazier and the Holly Hill Police Department, this criminal has been brought to justice and will not be allowed to harm another child or animal again.”
The case began after the Holly Hill Police Department received a cyber tip from Discord, an online social platform. Investigators found that McKeown was employed as a teacher at UBIC Academy and had used the school’s Wi-Fi during school hours to distribute and receive illegal materials. Authorities also discovered videos showing McKeown abusing his family pet.
Following these findings, McKeown was arrested and charged by the Office of Statewide Prosecution with one count of aggravated possession of child pornography, 18 counts of possession of child pornography, and six counts related to sexual conduct with an animal.
At sentencing, Circuit Judge A. Christian Miller designated McKeown as a sexual offender. The judge also ruled that after serving his prison term, McKeown will not be permitted to own any animals.
