A 19-year-old guy was taken into custody by Tampa Police Detectives from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Squad on a number of felony charges, including extortion.
“This case highlights the courage it takes to come forward and report these types of crimes,” Chief Lee Bercaw stated. “The detectives who make up our ICAC Squad are committed to pursuing these offenders and holding them accountable. This is also a stark reminder of the importance of online safety, especially for our young people.”
An unidentified suspect, later identified as 19-year-old Christopher Patrinostro, contacted a 16-year-old girl in Tampa via the internet, sending her pictures of herself in her underwear and requesting more.
If the victim disobeyed, he threatened to leak the material.
After the victim courageously got in touch with the Tampa Police Department, officers launched a thorough investigation. After gathering information and pursuing leads, they named Patrinostro as the culprit.
After an arrest warrant was obtained, Patrinostro was taken into custody at his Brandon residence by members of the Tampa Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit on June 26, 2024.
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Detectives from Tampa Police issued a search warrant at the residence in collaboration with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and they took gadgets that belonged to Patrinostro.
Extortion, encouraging a child to engage in sexual activity, using a computer to solicit certain illegal acts (falsely state one’s age), and unauthorized use of a two-way communications device were the charges brought against Patrinostro. He was taken to the jail at Orient Road.
