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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.

Central Florida News

Bodycam Shows Deputy Shoot Suspect After Taser Fails Outside Walmart, Authorities Say

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ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — The Orange County Sheriff’s Office released body-worn camera footage from a deputy-involved shooting involving a suspected shoplifter outside a Walmart store nearly a month after the incident.

Deputies Respond to Armed Shoplifting Call

According to investigators, deputies responded around 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 22, 2026, to a reported shoplifting incident at the Walmart on East Colonial Drive.

A caller told dispatchers a man wearing a black ski mask was attempting to steal merchandise, appeared to have a knife and was declaring “martial law” as he exited the store with a shopping cart full of items.

Bodycam Shows Confrontation Before Shooting

Deputies said a responding deputy encountered the suspect on Colonial Drive near the store pushing a cart loaded with merchandise.

Body-camera footage shows the deputy giving multiple commands for the man to stop. Authorities said the suspect ignored the commands. The deputy then deployed a Taser, but it had no effect.

Shortly afterward, the deputy can be heard warning the suspect at least three times not to reach. Moments later, the deputy fired his service weapon, striking the man.

Deputies on scene secured the suspect and provided first aid before he was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators said two knives were recovered at the scene.

Suspect Identified; Investigation Underway

Authorities identified the suspect as Jason Anthony Beal, 48. He was charged with robbery with a deadly weapon and resisting an officer with violence.

The shooting remains under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which will submit its findings to the State Attorney’s Office for review.

As part of standard protocol, the deputy involved has been placed on temporary paid administrative leave pending the initial FDLE review. The sheriff’s office will also conduct an internal investigation once the state probe is completed.

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Crimes and Courts

Attorney General Uthmeier: Central Florida Woman Charged in Child Sexual Abuse Material Case

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that the Office of Statewide Prosecution has charged a Central Florida woman with multiple felony offenses involving the sexual abuse of a child and the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Taylor Michelle Dorsey, 33, of Ocoee, faces eight felony counts, including sexual abuse of a child over the age of 12 and several charges related to the production, possession, and promotion of CSAM.

“The details in this case are gut-wrenching, and there is zero place for this kind of vile behavior in Florida,” said Attorney General Uthmeier. “I am confident in our statewide prosecutors’ ability to fight for the maximum penalty that fits these heinous crimes against children.”

Investigation and Arrest

The investigation was conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) following a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tip originated from Yahoo, which reported that Dorsey had uploaded multiple files containing child sexual abuse material.

According to investigators, Dorsey sexually abused the victim, produced the illegal material, and actively shared it with an inmate in federal prison who is serving time for sexual abuse of a child and possession of child pornography.

On Dec. 10, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Dorsey’s residence, where she was arrested without incident.

Charges Filed

Dorsey is charged with the following offenses:

  • Promote Sexual Performance of a Child

  • Lewd and Lascivious Molestation

  • Child Abuse

  • Child Neglect

  • Possession of Child Pornography (four counts)

She is currently being held in the Orange County Jail without bond.

Prosecution and Ongoing Case

The case will be prosecuted in the Ninth Judicial Circuit by Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Lauryn Day. Officials stated the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed as evidence continues to be reviewed.

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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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