Volusia County Man Arrested on 15 Bestiality-Related Charges After Cruise Ship Return
A Volusia County man faces 15 criminal charges related to the possession of videos depicting sexual acts involving animals, following an investigation that began when he disembarked from a cruise ship at a Florida port, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
How the Investigation Began
The case originated when the suspect, Anthony Ridings, returned to port aboard the Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ship and was stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents who suspected illegal material on his mobile phone. Federal agents initially reviewed the device but did not find child sexual abuse material. However, investigators discovered downloaded videos showing adults engaged in sexual acts with animals.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit was called to the port and assumed responsibility for the investigation.
Suspect’s Statements to Investigators
During a subsequent interview, Ridings allegedly told detectives that he had downloaded the videos himself and claimed he was unaware the material was illegal. He reportedly stated he kept the videos for what he described as “shock value,” according to the sheriff’s office. Ridings was not taken into custody immediately while investigators obtained a forensic examination of the phone and continued their inquiry.
Arrest and Charges
Following completion of the forensic review, ICAC Agent Josh Strait submitted an arrest warrant, which was signed by Judge Laura Moody. Ridings was subsequently taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Task Force in Daytona Beach. He faces 15 counts of Possession of Material Depicting Sexual Activities Involving Animals. His bond has been set at $300,000.
Ridings is awaiting transport from Volusia County to the Brevard County Jail and is pending court proceedings. The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office has indicated that the investigation remains ongoing.
As with all criminal cases, the charges filed against Anthony Ridings are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.