FORT PIERCE, Fla. — A 23-year-old Fort Pierce man has been arrested following an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation conducted by the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began on June 29, 2026, and ultimately led to the arrest of Brandon Weinstein, 23, on July 20, 2026.

Detectives executed search warrants, conducted interviews, and seized multiple electronic devices for forensic examination during the investigation.

Authorities allege the investigation uncovered multiple computer-generated altered sexual depictions involving a child, as well as images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

As a result of the investigation, Weinstein was arrested and charged with 17 counts of Altered Sexual Depictions Without Consent and 10 counts of Possession of Child Pornography, for a total of 27 felony charges.

Investigation Highlights Growing Digital Threat

The case reflects the growing challenges facing law enforcement agencies as advances in artificial intelligence and digital editing technology make it easier to create realistic, computer-generated explicit images. Florida has expanded its laws in recent years to address digitally altered sexual depictions and other forms of online exploitation, while investigators continue to combat the distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material.

Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Forces are partnerships between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies that investigate online child exploitation, identify offenders, and work to protect children from abuse. These investigations frequently involve extensive forensic examinations of computers, smartphones, cloud storage accounts, and other electronic devices.

The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active, and additional evidence may still be under review.

Anyone with information related to crimes involving the exploitation of children is encouraged to contact the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office or submit a tip through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s CyberTipline.

Editor’s Note: IRC Media does not publish or describe child sexual abuse material or exploitative imagery out of respect for victims and to avoid amplifying harmful content.

Disclaimer: All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The charges referenced are allegations, and the case will be decided through the judicial process.

Source: St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office