Child Pornography Arrest

NEWS RELEASE 20-030 - FEBRUARY 20, 2020
Nicolas, Gerald

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office arrested a 65-year-old Sarasota man Wednesday on 50 felony counts of Possession of Child Pornography.

Detectives launched their investigation after receiving information that a particular IP address was used to upload illicit images. On Thursday detectives executed a search warrant at 2049 Sun Home Street in Sarasota, where they discovered Gerald Nicolas, DOB 09/15/54, lived at the residence and downloaded the images to his computer. During a search of his electronic devices, detectives recovered 50 images determined to be child pornography. Nicolas was arrested and charged with 50 felony counts of Possession of Child Pornography. He remains in custody today without bond.
 
Based on their ongoing investigation, detectives believe Nicolas may also be responsible for exposing himself to patrons at local beaches. If anyone has any information related to Nicolas or his whereabouts, they are asked to contact our Criminal Investigations Section at 941.861.4900.