Punta Gorda man caught with 500+ child sex abuse files, held on $2M bond

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WINK)— A Punta Gorda man has been arrested after investigators found him in possession of child sexual abuse material and child pornography images.

The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit received a CyberTip Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on June 24. The report indicated that an Electronic Service Provider had detected child sexual exploitation materials associated with an account belonging to Kevin McHugh, 69, in Punta Gorda.

The Electronic Service Provider later provided materials in response to a warrant, which were reviewed by investigators. Detectives identified more than 500 files consistent with child sexual abuse material, along with documents and photographs linking the account to McHugh.

"For someone to take pleasure in the harm of innocent children, there are no words to describe my disgust," Sheriff Bill Prummell said. "I want to thank my Major Crimes Detectives who ensure that these types of individuals are held accountable for their evil."

On Aug. 13, detectives located and arrested McHugh for Possess Photograph of Sexual Performance by a Child X10 and Possess 10 Or More Child Porn Image F2 Offense. McHugh cooperated with detectives and provided access to his mobile device, which he stated contained the relevant material.

Detectives subsequently executed a residential search warrant at his home. McHugh was transported to the Charlotte County Jail where he is being held on $2 million bond.