Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced the arrest of David McKeown, a sixth-grade teacher at UBIC Academy in Holly Hill. McKeown is charged with 19 enhanced felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and six counts of possession of animal pornography. The arrest was made by the Holly Hill Police Department.
“As a teacher, parents trusted Mr. McKeown to impart knowledge to their children. Instead, he spent parts of the school day sending and receiving child sex abuse material and providing other pedophiles with UBIC Academy students’ personal information,” stated Attorney General James Uthmeier. “What he did is beyond betrayal—it’s devastating and sick. Our Office of Statewide Prosecution will aggressively pursue justice for these children and their parents.”
The investigation commenced on June 2, 2025, following a tip received by the Holly Hill Police Department from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). This organization alerts law enforcement to online reports of child sexual exploitation.
Messages sent by McKeown suggested that he used artificial intelligence technology to create CSAM involving real children, some potentially attending UBIC Academy. Search warrants revealed his activities included disseminating, downloading, and communicating via Discord during school hours while connected to UBIC Academy’s Wi-Fi. He shared 19 images of CSAM and nine images depicting himself in sexual acts with his family pet.
Detectives have seized several electronic devices for further investigation. The case remains active, with additional charges possible.
Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Johnna Lessard will manage the case proceedings.
McKeown is currently detained at Volusia County Branch Jail without bond and faces up to 315 years in prison if found guilty.
Parents or guardians concerned about potential involvement are urged to contact Victim Advocate Coordinator Daisy Gonzalez at 386-248-9435. Anyone with relevant information should reach out to Detective Corporal Kelsey Palm at 386-492-0415 or via email at Kpalm@hollyhillpd.org.
