SARASOTA, Fla. – Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 18-year-old Mason Hull, who goes by @masonhull or ‘hullo’ on TikTok, on Wednesday, May 6, following a forensic investigation into child sexual abuse material (CSAM) found on his mobile device.
The investigation began on April 30, 2026, when patrol deputies responded to a call regarding a suspect potentially in possession of illegal material. Detectives from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit were brought in to review the evidence and conduct interviews.
According to investigators, the initial evidence included links to websites used to acquire CSAM and digital conversations regarding payment for the files.
READ: 90,000 Files And Decades Of Abuse: The Dark Double Life Of A 71-Year-Old Tampa Man
Following the interview, authorities seized Hull’s phone. A subsequent forensic examination of the device revealed images and videos depicting female children between the ages of 8 and 15 years old. This discovery led to a signed arrest warrant charging Hull with 15 counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material.
Members of the Tactical Unit (TAC) apprehended Hull in the parking lot of his residence later that day. The arrest was completed without incident through the coordinated efforts of the Patrol, ICAC, and TAC units.
Sarasota authorities noted that the investigation is still active. Because Hull maintains a significant social media presence, detectives are asking anyone with further information to contact the SCSO Investigations Bureau at (941) 861-4900.
“This investigation highlights SCSO’s commitment to protecting children and aggressively pursuing those who exploit them,” the Sheriff’s Office stated in a release following the arrest.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
