A Korean American man has been arrested in Florida on 274 charges related to child exploitation, after investigators discovered over 1,000 illegal videos at his residence, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Sung-Hyun Kim (29) was charged with a range of offenses, including possession and promotion of child sexual abuse material and videos depicting sexual acts with animals.
The investigation began on February 5 when the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) received an anonymous tip. The tip alleged that Kim had sexually exploited and threatened a child victim. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office launched a nearly three-month investigation through its Internet Crimes Against Children Unit.
Authorities say Kim contacted minors online, coerced them into sending explicit content, and then used that material to demand more through threats.
A search of Kim’s home resulted in the seizure of multiple electronic devices. Investigators uncovered more than 1,000 illegal videos, including child pornography and bestiality content.
According to the sheriff’s office, the charges include:
- 100 counts of possession of child pornography
- 100 counts of possession of digitally altered child pornography
- 45 counts of possession of bestiality material
- 14 counts of promoting sexual performance by a child
- 9 counts of transmission of harmful material to a minor
- 6 counts of using a computer for lewd purposes
Chad Chronister, Sheriff of Hillsborough County, said in a statement: “Crimes that target children are absolutely intolerable in our community. Offenders like this will face justice.”
Authorities are continuing the investigation, believing there may be additional victims.
BY HANKIL KANG [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]
