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Crimes and Courts

FBI Arrests LGBTQ+ Democrat Leader Matthew Inman on Child Porn Charges

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The arrest of prominent LGBTQ+ leader Matthew A. Inman, 39, has sent shockwaves through Central Florida. The suspended Orange County Democratic Party’s Treasurer and President of the Rainbow Democrats now faces federal charges of transporting child sexual abuse material (CSAM), according to the United States Attorney’s Office Middle District of Florida.

Details of the Arrest and Charges

The FBI, as part of an extensive investigation, uncovered evidence that between August and October 2024, Inman received and stored multiple videos depicting child sexual abuse. These videos, stored on his phone, allegedly showed graphic acts of sexual assault on young children.

In October 2024, Inman traveled to Las Vegas, where he engaged in explicit online conversations with an undercover FBI officer posing as the father of a 9-year-old boy. **Inman expressed interest in meeting and sexually abusing the child, even going so far as to send additional CSAM videos to the undercover officer.**

When the FBI executed a search warrant at Inman’s Orlando residence, he attempted to delete evidence from his phone and hide in the attic. However, investigators were able to recover electronic devices containing incriminating material.

United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the filing of a criminal complaint against Inman, charging him with the transportation of child sexual abuse material. If convicted, Inman faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, with a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

Responses from Organizations

Following Inman’s arrest, several organizations distanced themselves from him and issued strong statements condemning his alleged actions:

Orange County Democratic Party Statement in Response to the Arrest of Matthew Inman:

Statement by the Rainbow Democrats Board in Response to the Arrest of Matthew Inman:

Visit Orlando

The tourism organization, where Inman was previously employed, confirmed his termination, stating, We are devastated to learn of these allegations and have ended his employment with immediate effect.”

Key Highlights

– FBI arrested Matthew Inman on federal child pornography charges.
– Allegations include possession of CSAM and attempts to meet a child for sexual abuse.
– Organizations, including the Orange County Democratic Party and Rainbow Democrats, severed ties with Inman and condemned his actions.
– Case brought under Project Safe Childhood to combat child exploitation.

About Project Safe Childhood

This case was pursued under **Project Safe Childhood**, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2006 to combat child exploitation. The program unites federal, state, and local agencies to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in the sexual exploitation of children. It also focuses on identifying and rescuing victims.

For more information on Project Safe Childhood and how to report suspected exploitation, visit [www.justice.gov/psc](https://www.justice.gov/psc).

Ongoing Legal Process

It’s important to note that the charges against Matthew Inman are allegations at this stage. **A criminal complaint is not evidence of guilt, and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.**

This case remains under investigation by the FBI, and Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan is leading the prosecution.

Crimes and Courts

Attorney Ben Crump Announces Settlement Between Universal and Family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala and Universal have reached a confidential resolution, according to a statement released by nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump.

Crump, speaking on behalf of the Rodriguez Zavala family, confirmed that the matter has been resolved amicably. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“The family of Kevin Rodriguez Zavala and Universal have reached an amicable resolution in this matter. The terms are confidential,” Crump said. “The family is grateful for the community’s support and asks for privacy at this time.”

No further details were provided.

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Crimes and Courts

Ex-FBI Employee Claims Dismissal for LGBTQ+ Flag Violated Constitutional Rights

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WASHINGTON (FNN) — A longtime FBI employee who was nearing completion of special agent training was dismissed last month for displaying a Pride flag at his workspace, according to a federal lawsuit filed Wednesday.

David Maltinsky, who worked for the FBI for 16 years, had completed 16 of 19 weeks of agent training at Quantico when he said he was handed a termination letter from FBI Director Kash Patel and told he was being dismissed for the “inappropriate display of political signage.” The suit asserts that the flag, previously flown outside the Los Angeles field office during Pride Month in 2021, was displayed inside with prior approval from supervisors.

Background and Training Dismissal

Maltinsky previously served as an intelligence specialist in the Los Angeles field office and was pursuing a long-held goal of becoming a special agent. The Progress Pride flag — which includes rainbow stripes and additional colors to represent LGBTQ+ individuals and communities of color — had been gifted to him after being taken down from its official display at the field office.

The lawsuit states that Maltinsky was a supporter of diversity efforts within the bureau. These efforts were halted under a January executive order from President Donald Trump that eliminated federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Legal Claims and Government Response

The suit names Patel, the FBI, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and the Justice Department as defendants. It seeks Maltinsky’s reinstatement, a declaration that his dismissal violated First Amendment rights to free speech and Fifth Amendment guarantees of equal protection.

The FBI and Justice Department declined to comment on pending litigation.

Maltinsky’s attorney, Christopher M. Mattei, called the firing unconstitutional, saying, “This case is about far more than one man’s career — it’s about whether the government can punish Americans simply for saying who they are.”

Broader Personnel Disputes at the Bureau

The filing comes amid other lawsuits brought by FBI officials alleging improper personnel actions taken in President Trump’s second term. In September, three former senior FBI officials claimed they were dismissed as part of a “campaign of retribution” allegedly driven by political pressure.

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Crimes and Courts

Orange County Sheriff: Teen Arrested After Fellow Student Over School Altercation

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – On Thursday, October 9, Orange County deputies responded to a shooting at Vogt-Meloon Park on West Oak Ridge Road. The incident left 16-year-old Pinien Dalmacy dead and 15-year-old Jacori Redding facing charges that could change his life forever. Both were sophomores at Oak Ridge High School, with bright futures now tragically derailed.

Altercation Began at School

According to witnesses, the two teens had a confrontation earlier in the day on campus. Redding reportedly bumped into Dalmacy in the hallway. When Dalmacy asked him to apologize, Redding refused. The disagreement escalated, and both agreed to meet after school to fight at Vogt-Meloon Park.

Tragic Shooting at the Park

Once at the basketball court, the argument turned deadly. Deputies say Redding shot Dalmacy during the altercation. After the shooting, Redding ran back to Oak Ridge High School. School Resource Officer Deputy Nelson Rodriguez acted swiftly, coordinating with school officials to secure the suspect in the cafeteria. Deputies later found the firearm in Redding’s bag.

Sheriff Mina’s Statement

“My heart aches for Pinyon’s family, who are grieving this unimaginable loss,” said Orange County Sheriff John Mina. “And I’m angry that something as small as bumping into someone in the halls of a high school can result in a shooting death.”

Investigation and Community Appeal

Jacori Redding has been arrested, and a juvenile custody order was issued for manslaughter with a firearm and possession of a firearm on school property.
Detectives believe several witnesses were present during the shooting and that videos may exist. Authorities are asking anyone with information or footage to contact investigators at ocsoinfo@ocsofl.com.

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