Gainesville, Florida – A 33-year-old Gainesville man was arrested in a child exploitation investigation Wednesday.
According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the arrest followed the execution of a search warrant during the morning hours of Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, at a residence in the 4300 block of Southwest 68th Terrace. The warrant was carried out by the Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Gainesville Police Department’s ICAC unit, with assistance from a SWAT team.
Authorities identified the suspect as Aaron Eliot-Gaines, 33. Investigators allege the warrant stemmed from a child exploitation case in which an ICAC task force detective determined Eliot-Gaines had participated in sexually explicit online conversations with multiple minors, including at least one as young as 11 years old.
Detectives made contact with Eliot-Gaines at the residence, where he was detained. According to the Sheriff’s Office, all electronic devices at the home were seized. A full forensic analysis of those devices is still pending.
Eliot-Gaines was arrested and charged with one count of production of child pornography, two counts of possession of child pornography, two counts of solicitation of child pornography, three counts of harmful communication to a minor, and 11 counts of transmission of harmful material to minors.
The Sheriff’s Office stated the investigation reflects joint efforts between local and regional agencies to identify and prosecute individuals accused of exploiting children.
Online exploitation cases can affect students and young families who rely on digital platforms for communication and school-related activities.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook and support local independent news.
Have a tip? Message us.
