Immokalee man arrested after Facebook reports child porn sent through Messenger

A 35-year-old Immokalee man was arrested Wednesday after detectives say he shared child pornography via Facebook messenger.

Genaro Francisco faces charges of possession of child pornography and transmission of child pornography.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation on June 30, following a cyber tip from the National Center For Missing and Exploited Children.

The tip was reported by Facebook regarding the transmission of a file believed to be child exploitation, according to arrest reports. The file was transmitted via Facebook’s private messenger and depicted two boys younger than 12 engaging in a sex act, reports said.

Detectives obtained chats from Facebook between the suspect account and other Facebook users in which the suspect discussed his desire for sexual activity with children. The suspect also discussed the dark web and obtaining files from the dark web.

Further investigation by detectives determined the activity was occurring at 1007 Hamilton St. in Immokalee. On Wednesday detectives executed a search warrant at the residence. Numerous occupants were located inside the residence, including Francisco.

In an interview with detectives, Francisco admitted the suspect Facebook account was his and confessed to the crimes in the case, reports said.

Detectives seized all of Francisco’s electronic devices, including his cell phone, for forensic examination as part of the investigation.

Francisco was arrested and booked into jail and the investigation continues.

A mugshot has not been provided at this time.