HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – A Hernando County man originally taken into custody last summer is back behind bars this week after investigators uncovered a slew of new evidence on his digital devices.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 47, was hit with nearly a dozen additional felony charges on April 8, 2026, stemming from an ongoing investigation into illegal digital material.
The case against Kennedy first broke open in June 2025. At that time, detectives with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office traced an IP address used to access social media accounts containing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) to a home at 6375 Goodway Drive. During a search of the residence, Kennedy reportedly admitted to owning the phone number linked to the accounts.
A preliminary search of his phone at the scene turned up several illegal files, leading to six counts of possession of child pornography and one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
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While Kennedy was initially processed last year, authorities seized several other electronic devices for a deeper forensic dive. That digital trail led to the most recent developments.
On Wednesday, detectives obtained a fresh warrant charging Kennedy with 11 more counts of possession of child pornography and one count of sexual activities involving animals.
Following his re-arrest, Kennedy was transported to the Hernando County Detention Center. Although he was initially held on a no-bond status, a judge set his bond at $120,000 during his first court appearance.
Sheriff Al Nienhuis reiterated the department’s stance on these types of cases, noting that the agency maintains a zero-tolerance policy.
“Any and all tips are, and will be, meticulously investigated; no stone will be left unturned,” the Sheriff’s Office stated. “Any person who possesses material of this nature will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
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The investigation remains active as digital forensic experts continue to review the evidence.
Local authorities are still encouraging anyone with further information to reach out to Hernando County Crime Stoppers at 1-866-990-TIPS. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.
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