UF Student Arrested By GPD Internet Crimes Against Children Division

Editor’s Notes | The defendants’ first name is spelled “Christopher” on court records instead of “Cristopher”on the press release.

On August 7 the Gainesville Police Department (GPD) Internet Crimes Against Children Division (ICAC) served a search warrant at 2617 NW 3rd Ave in response to receiving a tip that an Instagram user at the location possessed online child sexual abuse material.

GPD’s press release states that Cristopher Carson Saladino, 21, resides at the aforementioned address and was revealed to be the likely account holder.

The press release goes on to state “Records showed that Saladino, as a minor and adult, was previously investigated by another law enforcement agency for similar incidents. However, due to his age and circumstances, charges were not filed.”

During Saladino's police interview he initially denied ownership of the Instagram account before later admitting ownership and saying he didn’t know the abusive materials he shared were of a child.

Saladino was reportedly exchanging messages with nearly a dozen underaged children.

Saladino told police that some minors sent him explicit materials after he told them he was a minor as well.

Saladino was charged with one count of child pornography, however, the press release implies a full analysis of his electronic devices may lead to more charges.

Saladino‘s LinkedIn says he‘s a construction management student at the University of Florida (UF) and the President of The Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) Student Chapter at UF.