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Michael Paul Linnan sentenced to over seven years for child abuse material

Department of Justice Middle District of Florida (WFTV)

TAMPA, Fla. — 76-year-old Michael Paul Linnanout of Ruskin has been sentenced to seven years and three months in federal prison for offenses involving child sexual abuse material.

Linnan pleaded guilty on April 21, 2026, to charges of transportation, distribution, receipt, and possession of child sexual abuse material.

According to court documents, Linnan used an encrypted messaging platform to distribute more than 100 images and videos of child sexual abuse material, including content depicting young children. He also used the same messaging platform to receive images and videos.

In addition to distributing material, Linnan stored hundreds of videos on his phone and transported images into an online photo storage account. Linnan was ordered to forfeit the cellphone, which was used in the commission of the offenses. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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Carl-Max Millionard

Carl-Max Millionard, WFTV.com

Carl-Max Millionard is a Content Creator for WFTV.com.

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