Viral video sparks legal warning reminder about sharing child porn

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Local law enforcement is warning people not to share child pornography videos or pictures of any kind of social media or via email or text, even if the person sharing the video thinks they’re helping to get the word out to catch an accused suspect.

Law enforcement told Eyewitness News there is a video of child pornography that is making the rounds on social media, in which people are calling for the arrest of the accused molester.

Police said not to share the video because it is illegal to do so, even if someone has good intentions and is trying to get the word out.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said people are breaking the law if they receive and share the video. Anyone who receives such video should immediately contact police, authorities said.

"We don't believe that it (video) is from Florida, but we're not able to tell you exactly where it is from," said Angela Starke, with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Channel 9's Cierra Putman confirmed that the Orlando and Winter Garden police departments, as well as the Orange County Sheriff's Office, have been notified by residents who've received the video.

Starke said anyone who receives the video should not view it.

So far, the agencies have not said where the video, which shows a young girl performing a sex act, originated.

Anyone who shares the video could face felony charges of possession of child pornography.

"It is a crime. It is a felony and we will prosecute," Starke said.

Cox Media Group