Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution has charged David McKeown, a teacher from Holly Hill, with 19 enhanced felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and six counts of possession of animal pornography. The arrest was made by the Holly Hill Police Department. McKeown is employed as a sixth-grade teacher at UBIC Academy in Holly Hill.
“As a teacher, parents trusted Mr. McKeown to impart knowledge to their children. Instead, he spent parts of the school day sending and receiving child sex abuse material and providing other pedophiles with UBIC Academy students’ personal information,” stated Attorney General James Uthmeier. “What he did is beyond betrayal—it’s devastating and sick. Our Office of Statewide Prosecution will aggressively pursue justice for these children and their parents.”
The investigation commenced on June 2, 2025, following a tip received by the Holly Hill Police Department from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which alerts authorities about reports of online sexual exploitation involving children.
Law enforcement believes that McKeown used artificial intelligence technology to create CSAM featuring real children, some potentially from UBIC Academy. Search warrants revealed his involvement in disseminating and downloading such materials through Discord during school hours while connected to the school’s Wi-Fi network. During these activities, he shared 19 images of CSAM and nine images depicting himself in sexual acts with a family pet.
Detectives have seized multiple electronic devices for further examination. The investigation remains active, with potential additional charges pending.
Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Johnna Lessard is assigned to handle the case.
McKeown was arrested by the Holly Hill Police Department and is currently held without bond at Volusia County Branch Jail. If convicted, he faces up to 315 years in prison.
Parents or guardians who suspect their child may be involved are encouraged to contact Victim Advocate Coordinator Daisy Gonzalez at 386-248-9435. Individuals with information related to this case should reach out to Detective Corporal Kelsey Palm at 386-492-0415 or via email at Kpalm@hollyhillpd.org.
