Punta Gorda, FL- September 8, 2022
On November 9, 2020, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit received a Department of Children and Families investigation for a criminal investigation for allegations of inappropriate sexual abuse of a minor.
Robert William Sanchez (02/27/86) was arrested on December 11, 2020, after Major Crimes executed a search warrant of his home on Central Avenue in Punta Gorda and remained in custody. The victim, who was under 12, reported sexual abuse in multiple locations for several years.
The search warrant of Sanchez’s home uncovered digital images consistent with child erotic and child pornography. Several videos were also discovered of Robert William Sanchez recording himself performing the sexual abuse. Robert William Sanchez was arrested and booked into the Charlotte County Jail on the following charges:
- Sexual Battery by 18 YOA or Older Victim Under 12 YOA
- Possess Photograph of Sexual Performance by a Child
On December 21, 2020, the FBI Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force began their investigation into Robert William Sanchez. On February 10, 2021, Robert William Sanchez was indicted for the production of child pornography.
On September 8, 2022 Robert William Sanchez was sentenced to 29 years with the Federal Bureau of Prison followed by lifetime supervised release.
“The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI remain relentless in their mission to find, arrest, and prosecute any individual who preys on our children. Whether this is done in person, or virtually, the FBI has the tools and capabilities to uncover these crimes, locate these criminals and bring them to justice,” state Sheriff Bill Prummell.
Robert William Sanchez is awaiting State sentencing.
If you believe you have information related to a child being abused or neglected, it is important to report the information immediately. You can do this anonymously online or over the phone by calling the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office at 941-639-2101 or Department of Children and Families.
You can also contact C.A.R.E. at 941-627-6000. An advocate is available to speak to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.