Tampa General Hospital Worker Arrested for Child Exploitation Shocks Community

Hillsborough County, USA - In a disconcerting development that has sent shockwaves through the Tampa community, a 42-year-old employee of Tampa General Hospital, David Scott Farber, has been arrested on serious charges of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) made the arrest following a thorough investigation that flagged suspicious activities on a social media platform, highlighting the pervasive issue of online exploitation.

HCSO’s Internet Predator Unit utilized investigative methods to locate Farber, leading to a residential search warrant on his home. This search uncovered a staggering 79 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material. Disturbingly, some of this content involved children under the age of five, with explicit abuse captured in the materials. Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed deep concern over the nature of these crimes, particularly in light of Farber’s access to vulnerable individuals within a healthcare setting, stating, “Such crimes will not go unpunished.”

The Investigation and Charges

Farber was arrested without incident, facing a total of 79 felony counts tied to his possession and distribution of this horrific material. What’s particularly alarming is that during the investigation, it was revealed that Farber had taken inappropriate photos and videos of himself in operating rooms and patient care areas, sharing them via social media. This raises serious questions about the safety and privacy of patients in medical facilities.

The hospital has confirmed that Farber is no longer working at their facilities and is fully cooperating with law enforcement. Additional charges could still be on the horizon as investigators continue to delve deeper into the case. With the legal landscape constantly evolving, the enhanced penalties regarding child exploitation may apply, given the disturbing details surrounding Farber’s offenses, particularly those involving minors.

The Bigger Picture

While this incident is specific to Tampa, it reflects a troubling trend nationwide. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reported an alarming increase in suspected child sexual exploitation cases, with a staggering 29.3 million reports made in the last year—this represents a 35% spike from 2020. Predators are increasingly preying on children during the pandemic, taking advantage of their increased screen time for school and activities. John Shehan, VP of the Exploited Children Division, noted that the unsupervised online time for children and teens is a growing concern, and many reports stem from phone and social media companies.

Moreover, advocates stress the importance of parental vigilance in monitoring children’s online activities. Alicia Kozak, a kidnapping survivor, has been vocal about the necessity of protecting children online, asserting that monitoring is not an invasion of privacy, but rather a crucial protective measure. This sentiment resonates deeply as communities grapple with the implications of these online threats.

The implications of this case reverberate far beyond Tampa General Hospital. It serves as a stark reminder for parents, guardians, and healthcare providers alike to remain vigilant. As we move forward, it is imperative that we foster safe online environments and prioritize the protection of our most vulnerable populations—the children.

More information on the case and the broader issue can be found in local reports from West Orlando News and Fox 13 News. For additional context on the national trend of child exploitation, visit CBS News.