Customs Search After Cruise Leads to Child Exploitation Charges Against Tamarac Man

A Tamarac man is facing federal child exploitation charges after investigators say U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered child sexual abuse material on his phone when he returned to PortMiami from a cruise.

According to a federal criminal complaint, Michael William Simmons, 40, was taken into custody on July 30 after disembarking a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. According to the complaint, customs officers searched his phone and uncovered evidence that led to charges of producing child sexual abuse material.

Investigators allege Simmons admitted that while stationed with the U.S. Air Force in Anchorage, Alaska, in 2014, he secretly recorded videos of his daughters’ friends, who were between the ages of 9 and 11, while they were showering. According to court documents, Simmons told investigators he made the recordings for his own sexual gratification.

Federal authorities also allege Simmons admitted purchasing child sexual abuse videos online using an encrypted network designed to conceal users’ internet activity and IP addresses.

Simmons remains in federal custody and is scheduled to be arraigned on August 10. 

Authorities said Simmons was not the only South Florida man arrested after the cruise. In a separate case, Steve Lawson, 45, of Plantation, was also taken into custody after customs officers searched his phone following the ship’s arrival at PortMiami.

Federal prosecutors allege Lawson possessed and transported child sexual abuse material, including 14 videos stored in an application on his phone. 

Both men remain in federal custody.

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Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.

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