David Robert McKeown of Volusia County has been sentenced to 135 years in prison after being convicted on charges related to possession of child pornography and sexual conduct with an animal, according to an announcement from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.
“The abuse and trauma this predator inflicted is sick, and he deserves every moment of this sentence,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “We will always seek the longest sentence possible for anyone who harms innocent children or defenseless animals. Thanks to Senior Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Emily Frazier and the Holly Hill Police Department, this criminal has been brought to justice and will not be allowed to harm another child or animal again.”
The investigation began when the Holly Hill Police Department received a cyber tip from Discord, an online social platform. Authorities found that McKeown, who was employed as a teacher at UBIC Academy, used the school’s Wi-Fi during school hours to distribute and access illegal materials. Investigators also discovered videos showing McKeown abusing his family pet. He was subsequently arrested.
The Office of Statewide Prosecution charged McKeown with one count of aggravated possession of child pornography, 18 counts of possession of child pornography, and six counts of sexual conduct with an animal.
Circuit Judge A. Christian Miller designated McKeown as a sexual offender at sentencing and prohibited him from owning animals upon completion of his prison term.