***UPDATE as of 6:20 p.m. on August 31, 2024***

Further review of Hines’ cell phone revealed additional files of child pornography. The files were of children from two – ten years old.

Hines was charged with 17 additional counts of Possession of Child Pornography.

***END OF UPDATE***

**Original News Release***

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Crimes Against Children Unit

Gage Anthony Hines (Suspect – Arrested)
DOB: 3/6/2001
Address: 2877 Gloria Court, Clearwater
Charges: One count of Possession of Child Pornography, one count of Transmission of Child Pornography, and one count of Sexual Activity Involving Animals.

PINELLAS COUNTY – Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit (CAC) have arrested a Clearwater man for possession of child pornography and sexual activity involving animals.

Detectives began their investigation after receiving information that child pornography was being accessed and stored via the internet. Through various investigative techniques, detectives identified the suspect as 23-year-old Gage Hines.

According to detectives, the videos were of children between the ages of ten and thirteen years old. In addition to the child pornography, detectives located a video depicting an adult female engaging in intercourse with a German Shepherd.

On August 15, 2024, detectives arrested Hines and charged him with one count of Possession of Child Pornography, one count of Transmission of Child Pornography, and one count of Sexual Activity Involving Animals.

Hines was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.

The investigation continues.

Hines’ booking photo is below: