LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced charges Wednesday against a 34-year-old man accused of sexually abusing and recording an eight-year-old girl, while detailing the state’s growing use of artificial intelligence and undercover operations to target child predators.
Uthmeier said the defendant, identified as Rafiq Osborne McDonald allegedly sexually abused the child and recorded the abuse.
“This sick individual not only subjected her to sexual molestation, but he filmed it,” Uthmeier said.
NOW: Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier says a 34-year-old man is facing multiple charges after allegedly sexually abusing and recording an 8-year-old girl.@AGJamesUthmeier: “We will bring the maximum charges.” pic.twitter.com/KfxByV9OEs
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) September 16, 2026
McDonald faces two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation of a child under 12, which Uthmeier said are each punishable by life in prison and carry 25-year mandatory minimum sentences. He also faces a charge of promoting the sexual performance of a child and two counts of possession of child sexual abuse material.
Uthmeier said additional charges could be filed as investigators continue reviewing the evidence.
“We will bring the maximum charges,” Uthmeier said. “We will ensure that individuals like this predator do not see the light of day.”
Uthmeier said prosecutors would seek the fullest punishment available under Florida law. He said the case, based on the evidence currently available, may not meet the statutory requirements for the death penalty, but prosecutors would continue evaluating any new evidence.
Statewide Prosecutor Brad McVay said the defendant allegedly gained the trust of someone close to the child before using that access to abuse her.
Authorities said a tip from someone connected to the family led law enforcement to investigate. Uthmeier said there is currently no evidence of other victims or that the recordings were distributed.
The investigation involved the Apopka Police Department, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Florida’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.
Uthmeier also used the announcement to warn parents about the growing role of the internet in crimes targeting children.
“Today, the internet is a real danger,” Uthmeier said, adding that predators can enter online conversations and chat rooms, pose as children and attempt to build relationships with minors.
Uthmeier said law enforcement is also using new technology to identify and track potential offenders.
“We do utilize AI to identify trends and conversations and terminologies,” he said.
WATCH: AG James Uthmeier says Florida is using AI and undercover operations to target online child predators as the internet increasingly gives offenders access to children.@AGJamesUthmeier: “Don’t be an idiot and come into Florida.” pic.twitter.com/F8463AvJhE
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) September 16, 2026
The state has devoted additional resources to investigators, detectives, undercover officers and online tools used in child predator investigations, Uthmeier said.
He said Florida law enforcement agencies have conducted undercover operations across the state aimed at identifying people seeking sexual contact or material involving minors.
“We’re aggressive. We spare no expense, no resources when it comes to doing the job,” Uthmeier said.
Uthmeier also urged parents, family members and others to report suspicious behavior, saying tips can help authorities identify abuse that otherwise could continue undetected.
“If you see something and you’re worried, say something,” Uthmeier said. “Let us investigate.”
